Biman Bangladesh orders 10 Airbus jets

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has signed a purchase agreement for 10 Airbus aircraft, adding to recent Boeing deals as the national carrier seeks to expand its fleet.

Biman said the agreement covers four Airbus A350-900 widebody aircraft for long-haul international routes and six Airbus A321neo single-aisle aircraft for regional operations.

Bangladesh this year signed a $3.7 billion deal with Boeing for 14 aircraft, including 787-9 Dreamliners and 737 MAX planes. In September, Biman ordered another 11 Boeing aircraft, including 787 Dreamliners and 737 MAX planes.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines currently has 19 aircraft, including Boeings and Dash 8s.

Civil Aviation Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said the Airbus agreement was part of a government goal to make Bangladesh a modern aviation hub.

Kazi Wahidul Islam, a former Biman director, said a shortage of aircraft had limited the airline’s route expansion. He said Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport handles more than 12 million passengers a year and that this could rise to 25 million over the next decade.

EU Ambassador Michael Miller called the deal a strategic step in Bangladesh’s commercial and investment ties with Europe.