After Boeing, Airbus plans deal with Biman

 
European aircraft manufacturer Airbus on Tuesday expressed interest in supporting a mixed-fleet strategy for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, alongside its US rival Boeing.

Civil Aviation Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, and Biman Managing Director and CEO Kaizer Sohel Ahmed were present at a meeting with Airbus Vice President Edward Delahaye at the Secretariat.

The proposal comes shortly after Biman signed an agreement with Boeing on 30 April to purchase 14 aircraft. The deal marks the largest fleet expansion in the airline's modern history and is expected to increase its fleet from 19 to 33 aircraft over the next decade, according to Biman sources.

During the meeting, the Airbus representative highlighted the potential benefits of operating a mixed fleet, describing it as offering greater operational flexibility and commercial advantages.

In response, the minister and state minister said they were committed to engaging further with Airbus on the future composition of Biman's fleet.

According to sources at the civil aviation ministry, Airbus emphasised that a combination of aircraft types could improve efficiency and broaden strategic options for Bangladesh's aviation sector.

Both Airbus and Boeing have long competed for Biman's major fleet expansion programme.

The ministry had earlier approved the procurement of 14 Boeing aircraft during the interim government, with only the formal signing pending at that stage.

The Boeing deal, valued at around $3.7 billion at list prices (over Tk 45,000 crore), includes a mix of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 737 MAX aircraft, aimed at strengthening both long-haul and regional operations.

The agreement ends more than three years of competition between the two aerospace giants for Biman's next major order.

Airbus had gained momentum in 2023 following high-level European engagement, including discussions linked to French President Emmanuel Macron's visit and references in a Bangladesh-UK joint statement to a possible purchase of 10 Airbus aircraft, including freighters.

Under the previous Awami League government, a policy decision had been announced to procure 10 Airbus aircraft. However, after the political transition in 2024 and subsequent policy shifts, the interim administration moved forward with Boeing.

Industry observers say a potential shift towards a mixed fleet could signal a broader change in Bangladesh's aviation strategy, which has historically been dominated by Boeing.

If pursued, the move could also give Airbus its first significant foothold in Bangladesh's commercial aviation market.