Biman defends UK airshow trip by five officials amid criticism

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has defended sending a five-member delegation to the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 in the United Kingdom, saying the visit is essential for its long-term fleet expansion programme despite criticism over the size and cost of the trip.

Official documents seen by The Business Standard show that Biman Managing Director and CEO Kaizer Sohel Ahmed and four senior officials from flight operations, engineering and corporate planning left for the UK on 19 July to attend the airshow.

They are scheduled to return on 25 July, with the visit treated as official duty and funded by the national carrier.

The delegation includes Captain AKM Aminul Islam, director (Flight Operations); Air Commodore Md Monzur E Alam, director (Engineering and Material Management); M Masudur Rahman, director (Corporate Planning and Training); and Captain Sheikh Abbas Hussain, deputy general manager (Corporate Planning).

Responding to questions over the necessity of the trip, Biman's acting spokesperson Md Mohiuddin said the officials are attending the world's premier aerospace exhibition to prepare for the airline's future aircraft induction.

"The officials are holding meetings with Boeing, engine manufacturers, aircraft leasing companies and suppliers of cabin interiors, seats, galleys and other equipment," he said.

The clarification comes after criticism on social media and in some media reports questioning whether such a delegation was justified while the government is pursuing austerity measures.

According to Mohiuddin, preparations for new aircraft begin years before delivery. As Biman is expected to receive its newly ordered Boeing aircraft in 2031-32, decisions on engine selection, cabin configuration and onboard equipment must be made well in advance.

He said the Farnborough Airshow allows airlines to meet aircraft manufacturers, engine makers, leasing firms and component suppliers from around the world in one place, avoiding separate visits to multiple companies.

"Our engineering, flight operations and planning teams are there to evaluate technical and commercial options directly with manufacturers and vendors," he said.

Rejecting claims that the visit would cost tens of millions of taka, Mohiuddin said the figures being circulated were inaccurate.

"This is a routine overseas official visit conducted under government rules and with all required approvals," he said.

Former Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) chairman Air Vice Marshal (retd) M Mafidur Rahman said participation in the Farnborough Airshow should not be viewed solely as an aircraft procurement mission.

"It is one of the world's largest aviation networking and technology platforms, bringing together aircraft manufacturers, engine makers, airports, regulators, leasing companies and other service providers," he told TBS.

"If Biman believes the visit will help its future fleet expansion, maintenance, training or technology adoption, then the visit is not unjustified," he said. "However, the size of the delegation should always reflect the country's economic realities."

He added that Biman should clearly explain its objectives, including whom the delegation plans to meet and what outcomes it expects, to address public concerns.

This year's event also features senior officials from Nasa, the European Space Agency, the UK Space Agency and the Turkish Space Agency.