As air shipment demand rises, Bangladesh's state-run airline plans to convert two of its passenger aircraft in the existing fleet into dedicated freighters, a senior minister said on Tuesday.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat disclosed the plan when a delegation from Highbury Group, an international aviation company, met him at his office in Dhaka, a press release from the ministry said.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has 19 aircraft in its fleet: four Boeing 787-8s, two Boeing 787-9s, four Boeing 777-300 ERs, four Boeing 737s, and five Dash 8-400 aircraft, all dedicated to carrying passengers across its domestic and international routes, according to the Biman’s website.
The minister, however, did not disclose which aircraft are to be converted into freighters.
In recent years, Bangladesh has ordered 25 Boeing aircraft and 10 Airbus aircraft for its fleet modernization. The exact delivery timeline and financial details of those deals have yet to be made public.
The minister said converting the two aircraft for exclusive cargo operations would help meet the country's substantial cargo demand, expand Bangladesh's international cargo transport capacity, and increase Biman's revenue.
William Prothero of Highbury Group, who led the delegation at the meeting with the minister, expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh's aviation sector development, including aircraft leasing and conversion into dedicated freighters.
The UK-based group claimed on its website that it has demonstrated success in the aircraft sales, finance, and leasing business through ownership and management of investments worldwide.
Prothero also highlighted his company's extensive experience in global investment and asset management involving aircraft acquisition, financing, and leasing.
The minister assured the delegation that the government would seriously consider any specific and feasible investment proposal from Highbury Group.
He said the government was working to modernize Biman and strengthen its position in the international aviation industry.
Initiatives have already been taken to expand the national flag carrier's fleet to make it stronger and more profitable, he added.
"Considering the delivery timelines for new aircraft, the government is also examining aircraft leasing options to meet demand in the intervening period," the minister said.
Aircraft flying hours, maintenance histories, and other key technical and operational indicators would be thoroughly assessed before leasing decisions are made, he said.
The meeting also discussed prospects for international investment, aircraft financing and leasing, and expansion of Bangladesh's cargo transport capacity.
