DHAKA- Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG) is expected to sign an agreement with Airbus in October for 10 new aircraft, as Bangladesh moves ahead with a major expansion of its national carrier’s fleet.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat confirmed the plan at the Secretariat, while Dhaka (DAC) remains the main hub for the airline’s international operations.
The proposed Airbus purchase includes four A350-900 widebody aircraft and six A321neo narrowbody jets.
The aircraft are expected to strengthen Biman’s capacity on both long-haul and regional routes, although deliveries are not expected to begin until 2033 and could continue through 2036 or 2037.
Biman Bangladesh’s Airbus Fleet Expansion Plans
The planned 10-aircraft order would mark Biman’s entry into Airbus aircraft operations, as the airline currently has no Airbus jets in its fleet.
The four A350-900s would provide additional widebody capacity for longer international routes, while the six A321neos would be suited to regional and medium-haul services.
Millat said the long delivery timeline was one reason the government was moving ahead with the purchase years before the aircraft are required.
Commercial aircraft cannot generally be obtained for immediate delivery, making advance orders important for airlines planning future fleet requirements.
The Airbus package follows a revised proposal from the European manufacturer. Earlier in 2026, Airbus had presented Biman with a 10-aircraft package consisting of the same four A350-900s and six A321neos after the airline moved forward with major Boeing purchases.
35 Aircraft Pipeline Takes Shape
The proposed Airbus agreement would take Biman’s planned new-aircraft pipeline to 35 jets when combined with its 25 Boeing aircraft agreements signed this year.
Those Boeing commitments comprise 13 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, two 787-9 Dreamliners and 10 Boeing 737-8 aircraft.
The combined pipeline would consist of 19 widebody aircraft and 16 narrowbody jets. This mix is intended to provide capacity for longer international services while also supporting regional and medium-haul routes where demand is increasing.
Biman has also been seeking aircraft for more immediate use because the Airbus and Boeing deliveries are several years away.
Millat said the airline was attempting to lease 10 aircraft, although it had not secured those aircraft despite repeated efforts, The Financial Express reported .
Biman Route Growth Plans Ahead
The fleet expansion is linked to Biman’s plans to increase flights on routes where passenger demand exceeds its current capacity. The minister identified the Middle East as one market where the airline could add services if more aircraft become available.
Biman is also considering new or expanded international services, including flights to Sydney and a second service to Japan.
The airline is additionally working toward the possible resumption of its New York service following an aviation audit, according to the minister.
The proposed Airbus order therefore forms part of a wider fleet modernization strategy rather than an immediate capacity solution.
If completed, the agreement would give Biman a planned fleet pipeline combining Airbus and Boeing aircraft, while the carrier continues to seek leased jets to address shorter-term capacity needs.
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