Biman Bangladesh Airlines has formally written to Airbus expressing its readiness to conclude an agreement for 10 aircraft by August 31, taking the national flag carrier a decisive step closer to operating a mixed Boeing-Airbus fleet.

A highly placed Biman official confirmed the development to Aviation Express, saying the official communication followed intensified negotiations with the European aerospace giant, including talks at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom this month.

"Biman has officially sent a letter to Airbus expressing its readiness to sign the deal by August 31," the official said, requesting anonymity as negotiations are still underway.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat earlier confirmed to Aviation Express that the government intends to conclude the Airbus agreement by August 31, with deliveries expected to begin from 2031.

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

Farnborough talks push deal forward

A five-member Biman delegation led by Managing Director and CEO Kaizer Sohel Ahmed held talks with Airbus officials on the sidelines of the Farnborough airshow as negotiations moved towards a potentially historic conclusion.

The delegation also met aircraft manufacturers, engine makers, leasing companies and suppliers of cabin interiors, seats, galleys and other equipment as part of Biman's long-term fleet planning.

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

The combination could provide Biman greater flexibility across its network. The A350-900 could serve long-haul markets in Europe and beyond, while the A321neo could be deployed on regional, Gulf and Asian routes where operating larger widebody aircraft may not be commercially viable.

The agreement, if concluded, would represent a major breakthrough for Airbus after years of competition with US manufacturer Boeing for a place in Biman's fleet.

24 new aircraft reshape Biman

The Airbus move comes alongside Biman's planned procurement of 14 Boeing aircraft — eight Boeing 787-10s, two 787-9s and four 737 MAX 8s — in a package estimated at around $3.7 billion.

Together, the two programmes could bring 24 new-generation Boeing and Airbus aircraft into Biman's future fleet, marking one of the biggest transformations in the airline's history.

The government has made clear that it wants both global manufacturers represented in Biman's long-term fleet.

"Our country needs both Boeing and Airbus. We will purchase both," State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam recently said, stressing that procurement decisions would be guided by Bangladesh's requirements and national interests.

A mixed fleet could offer Biman greater flexibility in aircraft deployment and strengthen its bargaining position with manufacturers and suppliers. It will, however, require careful investment in pilot and engineer training, maintenance, spare parts and operational infrastructure.

Towards a 47-aircraft fleet

The acquisitions form part of the government's roadmap to expand Biman to 47 aircraft by fiscal year 2034-35, enabling the airline to increase frequencies, open new international routes and strengthen Bangladesh's ambition to emerge as a regional aviation hub.

The expansion coincides with the planned opening of the Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, which is expected to significantly increase Dhaka's passenger-handling capacity.

Greater international connectivity could also provide a major boost to tourism by improving access to Bangladesh from key source markets.

Airbus has pursued a Biman order for years, with its campaign gaining momentum during French President Emmanuel Macron's Bangladesh visit in 2023. More recently, Airbus Vice President Edward Delahaye held talks in Dhaka with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister Millat and senior Biman officials.

Aviation expert ATM Nazrul Islam said Biman’s aircraft acquisition should be driven by a comprehensive business case, focusing on commercial needs rather than fleet expansion alone. “The choice of aircraft must support its long-term network strategy, market demand, operating economics and maintenance capability to avoid becoming a financial burden,” he said. 

The expert observed that operating a mixed Boeing-Airbus fleet offers flexibility, stronger bargaining power and better route optimisation despite requiring separate training, maintenance and spare parts, provided there is a well-planned transition strategy. “Most successful airlines follow such a model,” he added.

Islam also stressed that Biman’s success would ultimately depend on generating sufficient operating cash flow to service debt and effectively managing financing through export credit agencies, commercial loans and lease arrangements.