Bangladesh eyes Airbus deal for 10 aircraft after Boeing order

DHAKA: Bangladesh is set to acquire 10 aircraft from Airbus, the French aircraft manufacturer, for the national carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines, according to Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat. This move comes as the government continues its efforts to expand Biman's fleet, just days after signing a deal for 11 additional Boeing aircraft.

Millat revealed that an agreement with Airbus could be finalized as early as October. The potential purchase would consist of four wide-body A350-900 aircraft and six narrow-body A321neo jets, which would complement Biman's existing Boeing commitments. Currently, Biman's fleet totals 25 aircraft, including the recently ordered five 787-10 Dreamliners and six 737-8 MAX jets.

The proposed A350s are expected to focus on high-demand routes to the Middle East, while the A321neos will be utilized for regional and shorter-haul routes. With Biman currently serving over 20% of the country's air passengers, the new Airbus aircraft would further enhance the national carrier's operations.