Afroza for action plan on route-based expenses before Biman fleet expansion

A fleet expansion plan proposed involves purchasing at least 26 new aircraft by the fiscal year 2034-35

Before expanding the fleet of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, it is necessary to formulate a comprehensive action plan in the light of route-based income-expenditure analysis, suggests the civil aviation and tourism minister.

Addressing a meeting on the proposed procurement of Boeing aircraft for the national-flag carrier fleet on Wednesday, Afroza Khanam said timely and practical steps can make the airline “more profitable and passenger-friendly”.

The meeting held at the Secretariat reviewed a roadmap to expand the Biman fleet to 47 aircraft by the fiscal year 2034-35. The agenda also included initiatives the Awami League government had taken for the aviation sector.

Dubbed “ambitious” by many experts, the fleet expansion plan involves purchasing at least 26 new aircraft and extending routes.

State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat emphasised the timely supply of the aircraft, urging all concerned to work together to achieve the target during the current government's tenure.

Millat also instructed officials to take necessary preparations to resume flight operations on the Dhaka-Narita route in Japan.

Biman launched Dhaka-Narita flights on Sept 1, 2023, but suspended the service on Jul 1, 2025, citing “Hajj flight rush, aircraft shortage and business realities.”