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Biman to expand fleet further

Considering Airbus, Boeing proposal


Published : 31 May 2023 09:09 PM

In a recent board meeting held last Monday, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the national flag carrier of the country, considering the proposals presented by Airbus and Boeing regarding the expansion of their fleet. 

While the board members described Boeing's proposal as compelling, no final decision has been made as of yet.

During the meeting, the board members expressed the intention to compare the proposals from both manufacturers, analyze costs and returns, and make decisions that would benefit the airline. Biman is set to form a committee that will scrutinize the proposals in detail in the near future.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines, in its quest to resume operations and expand its network to new destinations worldwide, has already incorporated the latest technology aircraft into its fleet. However, the airline is eager to add more carriers to further enhance its capabilities.

To bolster the development of the aviation industry in Bangladesh, a joint Communique was signed between the United Kingdom and Bangladesh during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's recent visit to the UK.

Considering the growing demand for air travel and the need to expand Biman's network to new destinations, the board meeting, chaired by Biman Chairman Mustafa Kamal Uddin, approved the decision to purchase Airbus aircraft. The acquisition will be conducted through a Government-to-Government (G2G) basis, with the aircraft being purchased from France's Airbus Company.

However, following Airbus’s proposal, another renowned aircraft manufacturer, Boeing, has presented a unique proposal to Biman. Boeing is offering the 787-10 series aircraft, providing a specific time schedule for delivery. They have made various offers, including the option to deliver six aircraft in the fastest possible time.

According to sources, Boeing has offered Biman the opportunity to purchase four state-of-the-art 787-10 aircraft and two cargo aircraft. If ordered, Boeing has promised to deliver these aircraft faster compared to Airbus. Additionally, Boeing's proposal includes separate training for Biman's pilots and engineers, as well as the option to convert passenger planes into cargo planes at a minimal cost.

Shafiul Azim, the Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, confirmed that the airline already has many Boeing aircraft in its current fleet and has maintained a longstanding partnership with the manufacturer. He acknowledged that Boeing had presented new offers, including details regarding the delivery timeline if Biman were to purchase their aircraft.

Azim also revealed that Biman currently lacks cargo aircraft in its fleet. Boeing, foreseeing the need for cargo capabilities after Airbus's proposal, has offered to sell two cargo aircraft alongside the four state-of-the-art 787-10 carriers. Additionally, Boeing has proposed the conversion of Biman's passenger planes into cargo planes. The final decision on Boeing's proposal will be made after careful consideration of all relevant factors.

With a current fleet of 21 aircraft, comprising 16 Boeing planes and 5 Dash-8 brand aircraft, Biman Bangladesh Airlines is poised to expand its operations and enhance its services to meet the growing demand for air travel. The decisions taken regarding the Airbus and Boeing proposals will shape the future of the airline and contribute to the overall development of Bangladesh's aviation industry.