Biman Bangladesh orders four A350s and six A321neos

Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the national flag carrier of Bangladesh, has placed a firm order for 10 latest-generation Airbus aircraft. The order comprises four A350-900 widebody aircraft and six A321neo single-aisle aircraft, supporting the airline’s fleet modernisation strategy and plans to expand its international network.

Operating from its primary hub in Dhaka, Biman Bangladesh Airlines will use the new-generation aircraft to strengthen its network, benefiting from their range, efficiency and operating economics. The aircraft will support the airline’s plans to serve North America, along with key destinations across Europe and the Middle East.

Notably, this comes as Biman Bangladesh Airlines ordered 11 Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX aircraft in September. Bangladesh’s Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat recently confirmed that, following the signing of the contract with Boeing, the airline is expected to purchase up to 10 Airbus aircraft in October.

Bangladesh is experiencing a significant demographic dividend that reinforces its medium-term economic trajectory. This economic momentum directly catalyses demand across the aviation industry, Airbus said in a statement. The country’s large overseas diaspora, particularly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, continues to support demand for international routes, while growing foreign trade is expected to increase demand for commercial air cargo. Airbus said its latest-generation aircraft are well positioned to support this growth.

“Bangladesh is a dynamic nation of 200 million people, backed by a resilient economy and a rapidly growing travel market. We are uniquely supported by a deeply connected global diaspora of 15 million people. In this context, our planned fleet expansion represents a measured and reasonable ambition,” said Rumee A. Hossain, Chairman, Board of Directors, Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

“This order marks a significant milestone in our partnership with Biman Bangladesh Airlines, as it embarks on this important phase of fleet modernisation. Together, the A350 and A321neo form the perfect fleet strategy for Biman as it spreads its wings to new international destinations, catering to the growing demand across its network,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales of the Airbus Commercial Aircraft business. “Airbus’s aircraft will provide the airline with the efficiency, range and versatility needed to connect Bangladesh to key markets across the globe, while delivering an exceptional experience to its passengers.”