Biman Bangladesh Airlines has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand its fleet to 47 aircraft by 2034. The announcement was made by the airline’s new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jahid Islam Bhuiyan, during his first media interaction since taking office a month ago. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing Biman’s competitiveness in the regional aviation market and ensuring sustainable growth for the national carrier.
Currently, Biman Bangladesh Airlines operates a fleet of 21 aircraft. Bhuiyan outlined that six of these existing planes will be phased out by 2034. Consequently, the airline plans to add 32 new aircraft over the next decade to achieve its target of a 47-aircraft fleet.
“Biman will have a fleet of 47 aircraft by 2034. In the meantime, six aircraft from the existing 21 will be phased out. Therefore, we need to add 32 new aircraft over the next decade to achieve our expansion plan,” Bhuiyan said during the media interaction held at Biman’s headquarters, Balaka, in Dhaka.
The CEO elaborated that the new aircraft would be acquired through a combination of purchases and leases. This flexible approach is intended to ensure that the airline can meet its growth targets and support its route expansion strategy effectively over the next 10 years.
When questioned about the potential suppliers of the new aircraft, Bhuiyan indicated that Biman Bangladesh Airlines might collaborate with both Airbus and Boeing, two of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers.
“Discussions with Airbus have progressed, and a proposal from Boeing is also on the table. Given our high demands, it is likely that a single company will not suffice,” he stated. This approach underscores Biman’s commitment to diversifying its fleet and incorporating the best available technology from multiple sources.
Despite the significant investment required for fleet expansion, Bhuiyan remains optimistic about Biman’s financial performance. He projected that the airline would generate Taka 1,200 crore from cargo operations alone in the current financial year.
“Overall, Biman will continue to see profits in the future, as it has over the past few years,” Bhuiyan asserted. This positive outlook is based on the airline’s recent financial performance and the anticipated benefits from its fleet modernization and route expansion efforts.
In addition to fleet expansion, Biman Bangladesh Airlines is also focusing on resolving operational challenges, particularly those related to ticketing mismanagement by travel agents. Bhuiyan emphasized the airline’s commitment to addressing these issues to improve customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
“Biman Bangladesh Airlines aims to be 100 percent free from the problem of unavailable tickets online despite empty seats on flights,” he said. This issue has been a significant concern for passengers and has tarnished the airline’s reputation. Bhuiyan reiterated that the national carrier is determined to eliminate the syndicate responsible for making tickets unavailable online despite empty seats.
Recently, Biman sent a letter to all Passenger Service Agents (PSAs), expressing concern over agents undercutting or overpricing tickets through their own web portals. The state-owned carrier urged all agents to adhere to the airline’s policies, warning that failure to comply could result in the termination of business relationships.
“We want to resolve the ticketing issues completely to prevent future complications. We have already warned the travel agencies,” Bhuiyan noted. This proactive approach is expected to streamline the ticketing process and ensure that passengers can book their flights without any unnecessary hassles.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ plan to expand its fleet and address operational challenges reflects a strategic vision for the future. By investing in modern aircraft and ensuring compliance among travel agents, the airline aims to enhance its service quality and operational efficiency. These initiatives are crucial for Biman to maintain its competitive edge in the regional aviation market and achieve sustainable growth in the long term.
Bhuiyan’s leadership and strategic direction are expected to play a pivotal role in transforming Biman Bangladesh Airlines into a more efficient and customer-centric carrier. As the airline embarks on this ambitious journey, it remains committed to upholding its reputation as the national flag carrier and serving the needs of its passengers with the highest standards of safety and service.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ plan to acquire 32 new aircraft and expand its fleet to 47 by 2034 is a significant step towards achieving its long-term growth objectives. With a clear focus on modernization, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction, the airline is well-positioned to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the regional aviation market.