Photo: Collected
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat has called upon Airbus to deliver at least one aircraft by 2028 to meet the aircraft shortage of national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
He said, ‘As there is now a shortage of aircraft in Biman’s fleet, we are facing problems in meeting the demand of passengers. So I am requesting the president of Airbus, please deliver at least one aircraft by 2028. This is a special request on behalf of me, us and Bangladesh.’
The minister made this request at the signing ceremony of the agreement to purchase 10 aircraft from Airbus at a hotel in the capital on Wednesday evening.
Addressing the regional president of Airbus, Millat said quick delivery of aircraft is extremely urgent so that the national flag carrier Biman can serve more passengers.
He said the demand for safe and reliable air connectivity is increasing along with Bangladesh’s economic progress. As a result, expansion of Biman’s fleet has now become indispensable. He said Biman Bangladesh Airlines currently carries only 20 per cent of the country’s air passengers, while the remaining 80 per cent of passengers travel on other airlines.
The minister described the initiative to purchase Airbus aircraft as an important step in expanding Biman’s own fleet and building a sustainable fleet.
He expressed the hope that these new-generation aircraft will help Biman operate more efficiently in line with market demand and routes.
He said, ‘Our goal is clear. We want to see Biman as one of the best airlines, where there will be aircraft of both brands – Airbus and Boeing. For this, it is necessary to build the right fleet for the right routes with a combination of appropriate infrastructure and operational efficiency.’
The minister also called upon the officials and employees of Biman to maintain professionalism and the standard of service. He said an airline cannot be made extraordinary with new aircraft alone. The future of Biman will depend on the professionalism, discipline, efficiency and dedication of its staff.
On cargo security, Millat said the European Union had kept cargo and mail from Bangladesh identified as high-risk since June 2017. Bangladesh has taken necessary steps to address the concerns raised at that time. He sought the cooperation of the European Union for the quick withdrawal of these restrictions.
The minister said Osmani International Airport scored 98 per cent and Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport 94 per cent in the UK Department for Transport’s assessment of 17 July 2026.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir, Biman Managing Director Kaiser Sohel Ahmed, Biman Board of Directors Chairman Rumi A Hossain, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Abul Kalam Azad Siddiqui and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chairman Ashik Chowdhury also spoke at the event.
Among other speakers, Airbus India and South Asia President and Managing Director Jurgen Westermeier, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, German Ambassador Dr Rudiger Lotz, French Ambassador Jean-Marc Sere-Charlet, Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Sistiaga and EU Ambassador Michael Miller were present.
The speakers said this agreement will strengthen Biman’s operational capacity, help in developing the skills of staff and advance the goal of building Bangladesh as an aviation hub.
They further said a new chapter in cooperation between Bangladesh and the European Union will begin through this agreement.
