Dhaka - State-run Biman Bangladesh Airlines has signed a deal with European aerospace company Airbus to buy 10 aircraft to modernize its fleet.
Biman's first-ever procurement deal with Airbus, signed on Wednesday in Dhaka, includes four A350-900 widebody and six A321neo single-aisle aircraft, according to an Airbus press release.
It said the deal was a significant step in the airline's fleet modernization strategy and its ambition to expand its international network.
The aircraft will support Biman Bangladesh Airlines' plans to serve North America, along with key destinations across Europe and the Middle East, it added.
The deal was signed between top officials from Biman and Airbus at a ceremony in Dhaka. But neither Biman nor Airbus disclosed the size of the financial involvement in the deal.
Biman's current fleet consists of 19 aircraft, all from US manufacturer Boeing.
Bangladesh is a dynamic nation of 200 million people, backed by a resilient economy and a rapidly growing travel market, said Rumee A. Hossain, Chairman of the board of directors of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, after the signing ceremony.
"We are uniquely supported by a deeply connected global diaspora of 15 million people. In this context, our planned fleet expansion represents a measured and reasonable ambition," he said.
Airbus has long been trying to engage with Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
"This order marks a significant milestone in our partnership with Biman Bangladesh Airlines, as it embarks on this important phase of fleet modernization," said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales of the Airbus Commercial Aircraft business.
"Airbus's aircraft will provide the airline with the efficiency, range, and versatility needed to connect Bangladesh to key markets across the globe, while delivering an exceptional experience to its passengers."
Biman's Airbus deal came less than a month after the national flag carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, placed a procurement order for 11 aircraft from US aerospace and defense major Boeing.
With the latest agreement, the airline will have a mixed fleet once the Airbus jets are delivered.
Earlier, on September 24, Biman ordered five 787-10 Dreamliners and six 737-8 Max jets, in addition to a purchase order placed in April for 14 other Boeing aircraft (Dreamliners and Max jets).
Biman's fleet currently operates 19 aircraft (Boeing 787, 777, and 737) across its international network, connecting Bangladesh with major hubs in the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and Europe.
The airline's total fleet size will be 54 once the ordered aircraft are delivered.
