B Mirror Report: Bangladesh has urged Airbus to deliver at least one aircraft to state-owned Biman Bangladesh Airlines by 2028, as the national carrier seeks to address a shortage of aircraft amid rising passenger demand.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat made the request at a ceremony in Dhaka on Wednesday marking the signing of an agreement to purchase 10 Airbus aircraft.
“We are currently facing difficulties in meeting passenger demand because of a fleet shortage,” Millat said. “I, therefore, request the Airbus president to deliver at least one aircraft by 2028. This is a request from me, from us and from Bangladesh.”
Biman currently carries about 20% of Bangladesh’s air passengers, with other airlines serving the rest, the minister said.
The Airbus deal is part of efforts to expand Biman’s fleet and develop a mixed fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, Millat said, adding that the new-generation planes would help the airline improve efficiency and match aircraft deployment with market demand and route requirements.
“Our objective is clear. We want Biman to become one of the best airlines, certainly with both Airbus and Boeing,” he said.
Millat also called on Biman employees to improve professionalism and service quality, saying new aircraft alone would not be enough to make the carrier competitive.
“Every service provided, every flight operated and every decision taken by its employees represents Bangladesh,” he said.
The minister also urged the European Union to withdraw restrictions on cargo and mail originating from Bangladesh, saying the country had taken steps to address security concerns that led the EU to classify such shipments as high-risk in 2017.
Citing a UK Department for Transport assessment dated July 17, 2026, Millat said Osmani International Airport scored 98% and Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport 94%.
Officials and diplomats attending the event said the Airbus agreement would strengthen Biman’s operational capacity, support skills development and help Bangladesh pursue its ambition of becoming a regional aviation hub.
