Biman Bangladesh Airlines plans to expand its fleet to 47 aircraft by 2034, adding 32 new planes to enhance its competitiveness in the regional aviation market, says Jahid Islam Bhuiyan, the carrier's new managing director and chief executive officer (CEO).
‘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,’ he said.
Bhuiyan revealed the plan during his first media interaction since taking office a month ago at the Biman's headquarters, Balaka, in the capital.
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.
The new CEO explained that the airline will either purchase or lease the new aircraft to meet its target and support the national carrier's route expansion strategy over the next 10 years.
When asked about potential purchases from Airbus or Boeing, Bhuiyan indicated that the airline's needs might require collaboration with the two giant 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 added.
Regarding Biman's financial performance, Bhuiyan projected earnings of Taka 1,200 crore from cargo alone in the current financial year.
‘Overall, Biman will continue to see profits in the future, as it has over the past few years,’ he said.
In addition to fleet expansion, Biman Bangladesh Airlines is also focusing on resolving operational challenges, particularly those related to ticketing mismanagement by travel agents.
Addressing concerns about ticketing mismanagement by travel agents, Bhuiyan emphasized Biman's commitment to resolving these issues.
‘Biman Bangladesh Airlines aims to be 100 per cent free from the problem of unavailable tickets online despite empty seats on flights,’ he said.
The CEO reiterated that the national carrier is determined to eliminate the syndicate responsible for making tickets unavailable online despite empty seats.
‘We want to resolve the ticketing issues completely to prevent future complications. We have already warned the travel agencies,’ he noted.
Recently, Biman sent a letter to all Passenger Service Agents (PSAs), expressing concern over agents undercutting or overpricing tickets through their 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.
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