Biman to make aircraft purchase decision in two months
Dhaka : Biman Bangladesh Airlines will be finalising its decision on purchasing new aircraft within the next two months.
Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Muhammad Faruk Khan said this at a press briefing following a meeting with the United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas at the Secretariat on July 7.
The evaluation process involves proposals from US-based manufacturer Boeing and European planemaker Airbus.
"We received a good proposal from Airbus and likewise Boeing has given us a decent proposition," added the Minister.
"However, the issue of purchasing new aircraft will not be finalised until the evaluation committee submits its report," informed Khan.
He further mentioned, "We have to finance it from this year's budget and I think the process will be completed within the next one to two months."
"Our plan is to buy about ten aircraft. The final number depends on the evaluation committee's report based on the economic proposals we have received," concluded the Minister.
47 aircraft in fleet by 2034
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.
Jahid Islam Bhuiyan, MD and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines seen during a meeting with journalists at Balaka Bhaban on June 30. Other high officials of Biman also seen on the occasion-Photo: Monitor
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 stands.
"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.
