Bangladesh is taking a major step to expand its national air fleet. The country plans to purchase ten new aircraft from the European company Airbus. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat shared this important news on Tuesday. He spoke at a press conference held at the Secretariat.
Minister Millat confirmed that the agreement for these Airbus planes will be signed in October. He also announced another recent agreement. This deal is for eleven additional aircraft from the US-based manufacturer Boeing. With these new purchases, Bangladesh now has agreements for a total of 25 aircraft. This shows a strong commitment to future air travel.
These new aircraft will not arrive immediately. The first plane is expected to join the fleet in 2031. All 25 aircraft will then be delivered over the next 11 to 12 years. Importantly, Bangladesh will not need to pay any money now. Payments will be made only as each aircraft arrives and is ready for use.
The minister explained the strategic reasons behind these large-scale purchases. He said these agreements are part of Bangladesh’s plan for the next 25 to 30 years. The goal is to build a much stronger and more capable aviation sector. A stronger airline can greatly support the country’s growing economy and international connections.
Minister Millat highlighted the potential of a strong aviation industry. He used Ethiopia as an example. Ethiopia has a much lower Gross Domestic Product (GDP) than Bangladesh. However, its national airline flies 167 aircraft. This strong aviation sector makes a significant contribution to Ethiopia’s GDP. The minister pointed out that Bangladesh is currently far behind in this area.
When asked about the choice of aircraft manufacturers, the minister was direct. He stated that selecting where to buy planes is Bangladesh’s own decision. The government carefully considers which aircraft are best suited for the country’s specific needs. He added that ensuring fair competition between different manufacturers is not their primary concern.
