Biman Bangladesh Airlines to add 10 Airbus aircraft to expanding fleet

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is set to expand its fleet significantly with a new deal to purchase 10 aircraft from Airbus. The agreement, titled 'Spreading Our Wings Together,' will be signed tomorrow in Dhaka. The order includes four A350-900s for long-haul international routes and six A321neos for regional and medium-haul flights. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2033 and continue through 2036 or 2037.

This purchase follows two earlier agreements with Boeing this year. In April, Biman agreed to buy 14 aircraft for approximately USD 3.7 billion, including eight 787-10 Dreamliners, two 787-9s, and four 737-8s. In September, another deal was signed for 11 aircraft, including five 787-10s and six 737-8 MAXs. Deliveries for these Boeing aircraft are slated to start in 2031.

Biman's current fleet consists of 19 aircraft, but two are nearing the end of their service life, and the rest are expected to be phased out soon. To meet immediate demand, the airline is seeking to lease 10 more aircraft. Once all new purchases are completed, Biman's fleet will exceed 50 aircraft, including 19 wide-body and 16 narrow-body aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism clarified that payments will be made upon delivery of each aircraft. Biman has requested at least one Boeing aircraft be delivered by 2027 or 2028 to address immediate needs.