Airbus trims Biman proposal from 14 to 10 aircraft after Boeing deal

Highlights:

• Revised proposal includes A350-900s and A321neo jets
• Biman recently signed $3.7 billion aircraft deal with Boeing
• Govt eyes 47-aircraft Biman fleet by FY2034-35
• Airbus pushing for mixed fleet structure at Biman
• Bangladesh may lease aircraft to tackle short-term shortage

European aerospace giant Airbus has submitted a revised fleet proposal to Biman Bangladesh Airlines, scaling down its earlier offer to 10 aircraft following the national carrier's recent multibillion-dollar deal with rival Boeing.

According to Airbus and Biman sources, the European manufacturer recently placed a fresh proposal before Biman's techno-finance committee, offering four A350-900 wide-body aircraft and six A321neo narrow-body jets.

The revised proposal came only days after Biman signed a $3.7 billion agreement with Boeing on 30 April to procure 14 aircraft, including eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and four Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

Industry insiders said Airbus has cut back its previous proposal in a strategic attempt to remain in contention for Bangladesh's long-term fleet expansion plans.

Earlier, Airbus had reportedly proposed 14 aircraft, including 10 A350 wide-body jets and four A320neo narrow-body aircraft.

The Airbus A321neo, a longer version of the A320neo, can accommodate around 180 to 220 passengers.

An Airbus source told The Business Standard, "We have been continuously engaged with Biman, even before the Boeing deal. After submitting the revised proposal, we have seen a positive approach from the Bangladesh government."

On 5 May, Airbus Vice President Edward Delahaye paid a courtesy call on Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroz Khanam at the ministry's conference room.

State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Ministry Secretary Fahmida Akhtar and Biman Managing Director Kaiser Sohel Ahmed were also present at the meeting.

During the discussion, Airbus expressed interest in helping Biman develop a mixed fleet structure.

The minister and the state minister also conveyed their willingness to work closely with Airbus on future fleet development initiatives.

An Airbus spokesperson for South Asia told TBS, "We do not comment on discussions we might or might not be having with our customers."

Biman spokesperson Boshra Islam said the airline regularly receives proposals from different aircraft manufacturers.

"As a client, we engage with manufacturers because we require aircraft. But receiving proposals does not necessarily mean we will purchase aircraft," she told TBS.

The renewed Airbus pitch comes as the government reviews a long-term roadmap to expand Biman's fleet to 47 aircraft by FY2034-35 as part of efforts to modernise the national carrier and position Bangladesh as a regional aviation and cargo hub.

An Airbus source said the company would be able to deliver aircraft by 2033 if Biman decides to introduce a mixed fleet.

Biman officials said Boeing is expected to deliver the newly ordered 14 aircraft between 2031 and 2035.

Biman currently operates 19 aircraft, of which 14 are manufactured by Boeing.

Long-running Airbus-Boeing competition

The latest Boeing agreement comes amid years of competition between Boeing and Airbus over Biman's future fleet plans.

Although Airbus has yet to secure an order from Biman, company representatives said discussions remain active and their proposal has not been rejected.

Diplomats from several European countries, including France, the UK and Germany, have also been encouraging Bangladesh to consider Airbus aircraft as part of a balanced and competitive procurement process.

Airbus gained momentum in 2023 following high-level European engagement linked to the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as references in a Bangladesh-UK joint statement regarding a possible purchase of 10 Airbus A350 aircraft, including freighters.

European officials argue that incorporating Airbus aircraft into Biman's fleet would diversify operations and strengthen economic relations with the European Union.

Boeing, however, has retained its dominance in Biman's fleet through long-term engagement with policymakers and by offering a broad range of aircraft, including Dreamliners, freighters and narrow-body jets.

In August 2025, during negotiations over reciprocal tariffs with the United States, the Bangladesh government also committed to procuring 25 Boeing aircraft.

As delivery of newly ordered aircraft will take several years, the government is considering interim solutions to address immediate capacity shortages.

"To ensure smooth operations during this transition period, we are planning to lease aircraft, preferably through dry leasing, over the next five years," state minister said recently.