To enhance the standard of passenger services, the government has made the strategic choice to add 10 new state-of-the-art aircraft to the fleet of the national flag carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, from the Airbus Company.
The purchasing issue was resolved during the board meeting on Wednesday afternoon that was presided over by Mostafa Kamal Uddin, the chairman of Biman. They will be acquired from Airbus using the G2G system, according to Biman sources.
Two Airbuses would join the fleet in 2026 after the procedure. The rest will be added gradually, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali told the media.
“We lacked an Airbus. Many nations around the world have both Boeing and Airbus aircraft in their fleets. Airbus was intrigued in the meantime. We also answered their call. I think the combination of both Boeing and Airbus will be good,” he added.
Mahbub said that a committee has been formed for this purpose. Besides, the board of directors of Biman will send a profile to the government’s higher authorities adding various technical issues including procurement method, price, and sources of finance.
Earlier, the national flag carrier Biman purchased 10 new state-of-the-art aircraft from the US aircraft manufacturer Boeing Company, according to Biman sources. This agreement was executed in 2008 during the caretaker government. Accordingly, all aircraft have already been added to the fleet.
Some Biman officials said that Biman’s international flight started in March 1972 by bringing 179 passengers from London to Dhaka. Currently, the total number of aircraft in the fleet is 21. If 10 new planes are added, the number will be 31.
The state minister expressed optimism that additional routes, even ones that were closed, would open if new planes were added to the fleet.
