Following intense deliberations and repeated meetings between representatives of Boeing, Airbus, concerned ministries, and Biman Bangladesh Airlines, a decisive moment appears imminent regarding the expansion of Biman's fleet.
In recent times, after the formation of a new government, representatives of both manufacturers as well as the respective countries' ambassadors are seen having repeated meetings with concerned ministries and organizations.
During their meetings, they all were seen proposing to procure their respective manufactured air carriers.
Since then, this has been a hot topic, which one is going to be selected to increase the Biman fleet.
However, aviation experts opined to avoid relatively large aircraft to make it profitable.
Biman is likely to increase its fleet with Airbus. As the French aircraft manufacturer is providing multiple offers, hence, ensuring maximum benefits the authorities are going for.
Overcoming various odds, the national flag carrier is now a trustworthy name to the country’s people as well as to neighboring and foreign countries. Biman is now spreading its wings to existing routes as well as to new routes. But to cope with the opportunities, the main shortage is of aircraft now.
Biman managing director and CEO Shafiul Azim told the media that Airbus is now a trustworthy name in the aviation industry. Biman can stay competitive if they work with Airbus and their fame will increase with this.
According to the Biman information, 16 of the 21 aircraft in Biman’s fleet are from the Boeing company while the remaining five are from Canada. But this time, Biman eyes top aircraft manufacturer Airbus to extend its fleet.
However, to make long routes viable, Airbus manufactures wide body aircraft with a capacity of carrying 300 to 400 passengers.
Aviation expert Kazi Wahidul Alam told Bangladesh Post, “Considering the demand of the country's passengers, such aircraft should be procured which can be operated in every route.”
According to aircraft manufacture comparison, Airbus A320 family is a major competitor to Boeing 737. Airbus operating cost is 25 percent lower than Boeing’s.
Meanwhile, experts have also shown that at present Biman does not have the infrastructural facility for Airbus.
To know more details, when this correspondent tried to reach Biman managing director and CEO, he did not answer the phone call.
