Bangladesh eyes Airbus deal for 10 aircraft after Boeing order

By DHAKA: Bangladesh is looking to buy 10 aircraft from France's Airbus for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, a minister said on Tuesday, as the government pushes ahead with plans to expand the national carrier's fleet days after signing a deal for 11 additional Boeing jets. The government could sign an agreement with Airbus as early as October, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said. The proposed purchase includes four A350-900 wide-body aircraft and six A321neo narrow-body jets. Bangladesh to buy 11 more Boeing jets as it seeks closer US trade ties The proposed Airbus acquisition would add to Biman's Boeing commitments, which now total 25 aircraft, including the latest order for five 787-10 Dreamliners and six 737-8 MAX jets. The planned A350s would mainly operate high-demand routes to the Middle East and long-haul services to Europe and North America, while the A321neos would be deployed on regional and shorter-haul routes. Biman, whose fleet of 19 aircraft consists mainly of Boeing jets and Dash-8 turboprops, serves slightly more than 20% of the country's air passengers, according to Millat.