Biman to boast 47 aircraft in fleet by 2034: MD

Dhaka: Biman Bangladesh Airlines will be adding 32 new aircraft in its fleet within the next decade while phasing out six from its current 21 aircraft fleet, taking the total number to 47 by 2034.

Jahid Islam Bhuiyan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Biman Bangladesh Airlines said this during a view exchange meeting with media representatives at the airline’s head office in the capital on June 30.

The view exchange meeting was held after a month the new Managing Director and CEO assumed the responsibility.

About the airline’s 10-year fleet plan, Bhuiyan informed that discussions with the European planemaker Airbus have taken shape while another proposal from Boeing still standing.

“Since our requirements are plenty, one company alone might not be able to meet it. Therefore, we have to consider working with everyone,” he said.

Moreover, the new Biman chief claimed, the airline will be making profit next year too, adding, “The airline is eyeing to earn BDT 1,200 crore in the current financial year from cargo alone.”

Bhuiyan further stressed, the flag carrier is making efforts to eradicate a ticketing syndicate by certain travel agencies undercutting or overpricing air tickets through their own web portals.

The flag carrier wants to be fully free from the syndicate of no tickets being available online despite having empty seats on a flight, said the MD and CEO.

“We have already warned the travel agencies," he informed.

Earlier, Biman expressed concern over agents in a letter sent to all passenger service agents.