Bangladesh is set to redraw the future of its national flag carrier with a landmark decision to purchase 10 Airbus aircraft, paving the way for Biman Bangladesh Airlines to operate a mixed Boeing-Airbus fleet as the country pursues an ambitious expansion of its aviation network.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat confirmed to the Aviation Express that the government will sign an agreement with European aerospace giant Airbus by August 31, with the new aircraft expected to begin joining Biman's fleet from 2031.

"We will sign the agreement with Airbus by August 31," Millat said, adding that the price and other details of the procurement would be disclosed after the agreement is concluded.

The decision marks a major strategic shift for Biman, whose jet fleet has for years been dominated by Boeing aircraft, and brings Airbus closer than ever to securing a long-sought foothold in Bangladesh's national carrier.

It also comes shortly after Biman moved to acquire 14 Boeing aircraft in an estimated US$3.7 billion deal, setting the stage for one of the most significant fleet transformations in the airline's history.

Airbus finally gets its opening

Airbus' latest proposal involves four A350-900 widebody aircraft and six A321neo narrowbody jets, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.

The combination could give Biman greater flexibility to match aircraft capacity with different markets -- from long-haul intercontinental routes to high-demand regional, Gulf and Asian destinations.

The A350-900 is designed primarily for long-haul operations and could support Biman's ambitions to expand deeper into Europe and other distant markets, while the smaller A321neo offers flexibility for regional and medium-haul routes where deploying a large widebody aircraft may not always be commercially viable.

Airbus Vice President Edward Delahaye recently held talks in Dhaka with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister Millat and senior Biman officials as the European manufacturer intensified efforts to secure the order.

Following negotiations, the government has now decided to move ahead with the acquisition of 10 Airbus aircraft, Millat said.

He said Bangladesh's national and commercial interests would remain at the centre of the negotiations, while maintaining a balanced commercial environment with major international partners was also among the considerations behind the decision.

Boeing and Airbus under one roof

The Airbus acquisition comes on top of Biman's planned procurement of 14 Boeing aircraft -- eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and four Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets.

The Boeing package, estimated at around US$3.7 billion, will significantly expand both Biman's widebody and narrowbody capacity.

Together, the two procurement programmes would bring 24 new-generation Boeing and Airbus aircraft into Biman's future fleet, potentially transforming the airline's network capabilities and operational model over the next decade.

More importantly, the Airbus decision signals that the government does not intend to tie Biman's long-term expansion exclusively to a single aircraft manufacturer.

Millat said the government has adopted a policy of developing Biman as a mixed-fleet carrier, bringing aircraft from Boeing and Airbus -- the world's two dominant commercial aircraft manufacturers -- under the flag carrier's operation.

For Biman, the strategy could offer greater flexibility in aircraft deployment and potentially improve its bargaining position in future aircraft, maintenance and support negotiations.

However, operating aircraft from two manufacturers will also require careful planning in pilot training, engineering, spare parts, maintenance infrastructure and fleet scheduling to ensure that the benefits of diversification outweigh the additional complexity and costs.

Towards a 47-aircraft Biman

The decision assumes greater significance against the government's long-term roadmap to expand Biman's fleet to 47 aircraft by fiscal year 2034-35.

The plan is aimed not merely at adding aircraft, but at positioning the national carrier for a much broader role as Bangladesh seeks to strengthen international air connectivity and emerge as a regional passenger and cargo aviation hub.

A larger and more diversified fleet could enable Biman to increase frequencies on established routes, open new international destinations and deploy aircraft more closely aligned with passenger demand on individual sectors.

The strategy also coincides with major aviation infrastructure development in Bangladesh, particularly the Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, which is expected to substantially increase Dhaka airport's passenger-handling capacity and support future network growth.

For the country's tourism sector, stronger international connectivity could also play a critical role in attracting more inbound travellers while facilitating easier access to Bangladesh from key tourism-generating markets.

Four-year Boeing-Airbus battle

The Airbus breakthrough follows years of intense competition between the European manufacturer and its American rival Boeing for Biman's fleet expansion programme.

The contest has gone beyond aircraft specifications and pricing, attracting high-level diplomatic attention from Washington and major European capitals.

Airbus' campaign gained significant momentum during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Bangladesh in 2023. A possible acquisition of 10 Airbus aircraft, including freighters, subsequently remained part of Bangladesh's engagements with European partners.

European stakeholders have promoted fleet diversification as a means of reducing dependence on a single supplier, increasing procurement leverage and expanding Bangladesh's economic and industrial engagement with Europe.

Boeing, however, regained momentum and ultimately secured the 14-aircraft package against the backdrop of broader Bangladesh-US trade negotiations, including the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade.

Rather than withdrawing after Boeing's success, Airbus returned with a fresh proposition centred on four A350-900s and six A321neos -- effectively offering Biman a ready-made widebody-narrowbody combination for a mixed-fleet future.

Europe keeps up diplomatic push

The Airbus proposal has also remained high on Bangladesh's diplomatic agenda with Europe.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam and State Minister Millat recently discussed the issue with ambassadors and senior diplomats representing France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and the European Union.

During the meeting, the government conveyed its intention to incorporate Airbus aircraft into Biman's long-term fleet expansion programme while safeguarding Bangladesh's strategic and commercial interests.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam also publicly reinforced the government's position last week.

"Our country needs both Boeing and Airbus. We will purchase both," she said.

Rejecting suggestions that the Boeing procurement contradicted Bangladesh's interest in Airbus, she said aircraft procurement would be determined by the country's requirements and national interests.

"The Prime Minister inherited a fragile economy (from the previous governments). To put the economy on a stronger footing, we need to exercise austerity on the one hand, while also purchasing what the country requires. We need both Boeing and Airbus. We will buy both," she said.

Shama also made clear that Bangladesh would not favour any particular country in investment decisions, saying "the interests of Bangladesh are always given top priority when it comes to investment."

Commercial strategy will be crucial

While fleet diversification offers opportunities, aviation experts stress that the commercial success of the expansion will ultimately depend on how effectively Biman matches its aircraft with its future route network.

Aviation expert ATM Nazrul Islam said a mixed-fleet strategy could provide greater operational flexibility, stronger route adaptability and long-term commercial efficiency.

He cautioned, however, that additional aircraft procurement must be supported by a clearly defined network and profitability strategy, particularly if the jets are intended for fleet expansion rather than replacement of ageing aircraft.

"A mixed fleet gives an airline the ability to deploy the most suitable aircraft depending on passenger demand, route performance and cost structure. In many cases, switching to a different aircraft type can significantly improve route economics and reduce operating costs," Nazrul said.

The challenge for Biman will therefore extend well beyond acquiring aircraft.

Its success will depend on developing commercially sustainable routes, increasing aircraft utilisation, strengthening operational efficiency, building sufficient technical and human-resource capacity and integrating the two aircraft families without allowing fleet complexity to erode potential gains.

With the first Airbus aircraft expected to arrive from 2031 and Biman targeting a 47-aircraft fleet by 2034-35, the August agreement could mark more than another aircraft purchase.

It could signal the beginning of a fundamentally different era for Bangladesh's flag carrier -- one in which Boeing and Airbus compete not merely to sell aircraft to Biman, but operate side by side as the airline seeks a larger place in the regional and global aviation market.