Biman Bangladesh Airlines is actively considering procuring 10 more aircraft to expand its fleet and open more routes to various destinations in the European Union (EU) and America.
In recent time, American aircraft manufacturer Boeing and its European counterpart Airbus held repeated meetings with Biman authorities. Both companies have simultaneously presented compelling offers to entice Biman to purchase new carriers. The national flag carrier, in the meantime, has not yet made any decision.
Currently boasting a fleet of 21 aircraft, predominantly composed of Dreamliners, Biman stands to benefit significantly from the potential addition of more Boeing aircraft. Aviation experts note that Boeing appears to be providing competitive advantages in its offers to Biman, further strengthening the airline’s position in the market.
Biman managing director and CEO Shafiul Azim said, “As the leading aircraft manufacturers globally, both Airbus and Boeing have approached us with their offers, recognizing our potentialities. As we are expanding our new routes besides resuming suspended routes, there is a future demand for additional aircraft in our fleet.”
“We currently have both proposals on our table. Our decision will be based on securing the best price, optimal facilities, and maximum profitability. We are evaluating each offer thoroughly to ensure that our choice aligns with our strategic goals and financial objectives,” he added.
When asked about the recent meeting with the US ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas, the managing director replied, “We have engaged in discussions with both Airbus and Boeing, and our talks with Airbus are at an advanced stage. Our preference is to do business with the manufacturer that provides the best overall offer. Ultimately, we aim to choose a partner that aligns with our needs and offers the most favourable terms for us as a customer.”
According to Biman’s information, the national flag carrier is now a member of a billion-dollar company and it carries around 32 lakh passengers yearly. The country’s expatriates play a vital role in the growth of its business. Hence, now many foreign airlines are targeting Bangladesh to carry its workers employed abroad to different destinations of the world. If Biman does not improve its fleet, it will be left behind in the competition of international airline business.
Meanwhile, on December 12, foreign minister AKM Abdul Momen during a briefing said that America has offered to sell Boeing at a low cost. Bangladesh is interested in buying some Boeing aircraft and talks are going on about their proposal.
Earlier on May 11, Boeing held a meeting at a city hotel where they highlighted their Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), a yearly forecast of global and regional aeroplane demand. In their report, they predicted that air travel in Bangladesh will double in the next decade, driven by the country’s growing population of the middle class and expanding economy.
Aviation Expert Kazi Wahidul Alam earlier told Bangladesh Post, “Acquiring new aircraft from a different manufacturer would pose increased costs and challenges for Biman. Airbus holds a smaller market share compared to Boeing, and there exist technical differences between the two aircraft manufacturers.”
He added that considering the current setup, opting for Boeing will be a good choice.