After Boeing, the government has now taken the initiative to purchase 10 Airbus aircraft. Aviation Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat stated that an agreement on this matter could be signed in October.
He informed journalists of this on Tuesday (September 29).
The Minister said that the 10 Airbus aircraft would not arrive in the country simultaneously. They would be added to the Biman fleet in phases.
He also provided details regarding the aircraft purchase agreement with Boeing. The Minister stated that an earlier agreement had been made to purchase 14 Boeing aircraft. With the addition of 11 new aircraft, the total number of Boeing aircraft under contract has now reached 25. This includes 15 wide-body and 10 narrow-body aircraft.
As per the agreement, the first of the 25 Boeing aircraft is expected to arrive in the country in 2031. Subsequently, other aircraft will be added to the fleet in phases until 2035-36.
The Minister informed that the full payment for these aircraft would not be required at the time of signing the agreement. Payments would be made after the aircraft are received in the country. The government plans to repay the amount using revenue generated from the Biman fleet.
The Aviation Minister also highlighted the necessity of expanding the Biman fleet to further strengthen the country’s aviation sector.
He mentioned that currently, a significant portion of Bangladesh’s passenger transportation is dominated by foreign airlines. The national flag carrier, Biman, is currently able to transport only about 20 percent of the country’s total passengers.
He added that by expanding the Biman fleet, it would be possible to increase the number of international destinations and enhance flight operation capabilities.
