Desk Report:
An agreement has been signed with Airbus to purchase 10 new aircraft, aiming to modernize the fleet and enhance the international operational capabilities of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the country’s national flag carrier. Under this agreement, Biman will acquire four Airbus A350-900 wide-body aircraft and six Airbus A321neo single-aisle aircraft.
The purchase agreement between Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Airbus was signed on Wednesday (October 7, 2026) at a ceremony held at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden in the capital. This deal is viewed as a significant milestone in Biman’s fleet modernization and long-term growth strategy.
According to the preliminary roadmap of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, these state-of-the-art aircraft are scheduled to be inducted into Biman’s fleet in phases starting from 2033.
The plan involves deploying the four A350-900 aircraft on long-haul international routes and the six A321neo aircraft on regional routes. Equipped with next-generation fuel-efficient technology, these aircraft will help expand Biman’s route network while boosting its passenger transport capacity for both long-haul and regional flights.
Stakeholders believe that these technologically advanced aircraft will also contribute to improving passenger service quality, enhancing operational efficiency, and strengthening Biman’s competitiveness in both regional and global aviation markets.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, attended the signing ceremony. Rumi A. Hossain, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Kaiser Sohel Ahmed, Managing Director and CEO, represented Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Jurgen Westermeier, President of Airbus South Asia, represented Airbus. Also present at the event were Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Asaduzzaman; State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir; and Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Fahmida Akhtar, NDC.
Senior representatives of the diplomatic community in Dhaka attended the event, including European Union Ambassador Michael Miller, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, German Ambassador Dr. Rüdiger Lotz, French Ambassador Jean-Marin Schuh, and Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Sistiaga.
Additionally, members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, senior government officials, members of the Board of Directors and management of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and media representatives participated in the event.
It is expected that the addition of new-generation Airbus aircraft will not only modernize Biman’s fleet but also further expand Bangladesh’s air connectivity. This agreement will play a significant role in enhancing capacity on long-haul international routes and strengthening the regional aviation network.
