European aircraft manufacturer Airbus today advocated for the inclusion of its aircraft in Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ fleet alongside Boeing, saying that a mixed fleet would benefit the national flag carrier.
Civil Aviation Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, and Biman Managing Director and CEO Kaizer Sohel Ahmed were present at the meeting with Airbus Vice President Edward Delahaye at the Secretariat.
The meeting comes four days after Biman signed an agreement with Boeing to purchase 14 aircraft at a cost of $3.7 billion.
During the meeting, the Airbus official highlighted the advantages of a mixed fleet strategy.
In response to Airbus’s proposal, the minister and state minister expressed their commitment to working closely with the company regarding the future composition of Biman’s fleet.
According to sources at the civil aviation ministry, Airbus underscored how a mixed fleet strategy could offer greater flexibility and commercial benefits to Bangladesh’s aviation sector in the future.
Asked about Airbus’ latest move to sell its aircraft in Bangladesh, Aviation Expert Kazi Wahidul Alam said, while partnerships with global manufacturers like Airbus are always welcome, fleet decisions must reflect Biman’s operational reality. A phased approach — building scale first, then considering diversification — may be more sustainable.
Both Boeing and Airbus have repeatedly submitted proposals to Biman to sell aircraft.
Airbus Vice President Edward Delahaye paid a courtesy call on Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam at the Secretariat. Photo: Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Bangladesh
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Airbus Vice President Edward Delahaye paid a courtesy call on Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam at the Secretariat. Photo: Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Bangladesh
