Millat Urges Airbus to Expedite Delivery as Biman Faces Aircraft Shortage

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat has urged Airbus to deliver at least one aircraft to Biman Bangladesh Airlines by 2028 to help address the national flag carrier’s fleet shortage.

“We are currently facing difficulties in meeting passenger demand because of a fleet shortage. 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,” he said at a ceremony marking the signing of an agreement to purchase 10 Airbus aircraft at a city hotel on Wednesday evening.

Addressing Airbus’s regional president, Millat emphasised the importance of early delivery so Biman can expand its capacity and serve more passengers.

He said demand for safe and reliable air connectivity was rising alongside Bangladesh’s economic growth, making fleet expansion increasingly important.

According to the minister, Biman currently carries around 20 percent of the country’s air passengers, while other airlines account for the remaining 80 percent.

Millat described the Airbus deal as a major step towards expanding Biman’s fleet and establishing a sustainable mixed fleet. The new-generation aircraft would enable the airline to operate more efficiently while matching market demand and route requirements, he said.

“Our objective is clear. We want Biman to become one of the best airlines, certainly with both Airbus and Boeing. This requires building the right fleet for the right network, supported by appropriate infrastructure and operational efficiency,” he said.

The minister also called on Biman’s officials and employees to maintain professionalism and high service standards, stressing that acquiring new aircraft alone would not make the airline successful.

He said Biman’s future would depend on the professionalism, discipline, efficiency and dedication of its workforce.

“Every service provided, every flight operated and every decision taken by its employees represents Bangladesh,” Millat added.

On cargo security, the minister said the European Union had classified cargo and mail originating from Bangladesh as high-risk since June 2017. Bangladesh had since taken the necessary steps to address the concerns, he said, urging the EU to cooperate in removing the restrictions at the earliest.

Referring to a UK Department for Transport assessment dated July 17, 2026, Millat said Osmani International Airport scored 98 percent, while Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport achieved 94 percent.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, Biman Managing Director Kaizer Sohail Ahmed, Biman Board Chairman Rumee A Hossain, Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Chairman Abul Kalam Azad Siddique and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury also addressed the event.

Other speakers included Airbus India and South Asia President and Managing Director Jürgen Westermeier, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, German Ambassador Dr Rüdiger Lotz, French Ambassador Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Sistiaga and EU Ambassador Michael Miller.

Speakers said the agreement would enhance Biman’s operational capacity, support skills development among aviation professionals and contribute to Bangladesh’s ambition of becoming a regional aviation hub.

They also said the agreement marked a new chapter in aviation cooperation between Bangladesh and the European Union.