PARIS, FRANCE — Biman Bangladesh Airlines expands fleet with Airbus purchase: A shift from Boeing dominance.
In a departure from its traditionally Boeing-centric fleet, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the national carrier, is slated to acquire 10 Airbus aircraft. Junior Civil Aviation Minister Mahbub Ali confirmed this strategic decision on Monday, emphasizing the choice was based on the airline's operational requirements, Reuters news agency reports.
Ali's statement follows reports hinting at the carrier's impending agreement to secure 10 Airbus A350 widebody planes, marking its inaugural procurement from the French aircraft manufacturer. The timeline for finalizing this deal, potentially in time for the opening of the Paris Airshow, remains uncertain.
Ali underscored the airline's drive to diversify their aircraft portfolio, noting that many countries operate fleets composed of both Airbus and Boeing aircraft. By introducing Airbus into its fleet, Biman aims to lessen its dependence on the US-based airplane maker, which traditionally holds a substantial share of widebody orders.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines, boasting a 51-year-old legacy, operates an assortment of over 20 aircraft, primarily from Boeing, including widebody planes and Dash-8 turboprops. The shift toward Airbus arrives in the wake of a vigorous resurgence in travel post-pandemic. The national carrier services non-stop flights to 20 global destinations, including the UK, Malaysia, Thailand, and Canada.
