Biman Bangladesh Airlines has placed a firm order for ten Airbus aircraft, marking a significant departure from its traditionally Boeing-dominated fleet.
Announced on October 7, the agreement covers four A350-900 widebodies and six A321neo narrowbodies. The aircraft will be used to modernise Biman’s existing fleet and support plans to expand its international network, including potential new services to North America and additional destinations across Europe and the Middle East.
Rumee A Hossain, chairman of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, said: “Our planned fleet expansion represents a measured and reasonable ambition,” pointing to Bangladesh’s growing economy and the considerable travel demand generated by its overseas diaspora.
Meanwhile, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP of sales of the Airbus commercial aircraft business, added that the A350 and A321neo formed “the perfect fleet strategy” for the carrier.
The news comes just two weeks after the airline placed an additional order with Boeing for 11 aircraft, comprising five 787-10 Dreamliners and six 737 MAX 8s. Announced on September 23, the agreement followed an earlier purchase of 14 Boeing jets in April, bringing Biman’s outstanding commitments with the US manufacturer to 25 aircraft.
Combined with the latest Airbus agreement, the two manufacturers now account for 35 aircraft on order, representing a substantial expansion for an airline. Biman currently operates 19 aircraft, including Boeing 737-800s, 777-300ERs and 787 Dreamliners, alongside De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400s.
