Biman Bangladesh Airlines Evaluates Airbus and Boeing Widebody Offers

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is in the process of scrutinizing widebody aircraft offers from two leading manufacturers, Airbus and Boeing, with the formation of a dedicated 16-member technical committee. This strategic move aims to thoroughly assess the proposals for the acquisition of new aircraft to expand its fleet, as reported by The Dhaka Tribune.

The committee, boasting a mix of internal and external experts including a Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry official and a professor from the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University, is set to delve into the specifics of acquiring ten A350s, which notably includes two A350 freighters. This comprehensive evaluation indicates Airbus’s strong position in the negotiation, although Boeing’s proposal remains a formidable contender.

Boeing’s offer, dated September 6, 2023, suggests the delivery of two General Electric-powered B787-10s by the first quarter of 2025. Highlighting the benefits of fleet commonality, Boeing estimated a potential saving of up to USD146 million for Biman in crew wages, tooling, and spare engines, given the airline’s existing all-Boeing widebody fleet. Conversely, Airbus extended its pitch on October 8 through the French Embassy, proposing two Rolls-Royce-powered A350-900s with delivery timelines stretching into 2027.

The airline’s pursuit of new widebody aircraft is backed by secured funding for ten Airbus aircraft in May 2023, facilitated by a joint communiqué with the United Kingdom and the UK Export Finance scheme. Despite this, Boeing remains competitive, lobbying for the consideration of its B787 variants and freighters.

Biman’s managing director, Shafiul Azim, emphasized that the evaluation process is ongoing and that a final decision has yet to be made. This procurement initiative is part of Biman’s ambitious plan to grow its fleet to 45 aircraft by 2031, aiming to enhance revenue generation and expand its network connectivity.

Currently, Biman’s fleet consists of 21 aircraft, including six B737-800s, four B777-300ERs, four B787-8s, two B787-9s, and five DHC-8-Q400s, as per the ch-aviation fleets module. This potential fleet expansion underscores Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ commitment to advancing its operational capabilities and strengthening its position in the competitive aviation market.