The European aviation company is presently in discussions for the sale of ten wide-body A350 aircraft, which also includes two cargo planes, to Biman Bangladesh Airlines
The aviation sector in Bangladesh is on the cusp of a substantial transformation, with recent collaborations and initiatives pointing towards significant growth. Renowned aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus have expressed strong interest in Bangladesh, introducing advanced aircraft models and extending their operations in the country. These developments indicate a promising path for Bangladesh’s aviation landscape, with the potential to bring about benefits in terms of tourism, economic growth, and enhanced connectivity.
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In a promising move, European aviation giant Airbus is aligning its plans to support Bangladesh’s ambition of becoming a thriving aviation hub. Morad Bourouffala, the chief representative of Airbus in Bangladesh, expressed this commitment during a recent visit by Bangladeshi journalists to Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France.
Bourouffala emphasized that Airbus is moving beyond a transactional approach, where they merely sell aircraft and depart. Instead, the company is determined to assist Bangladesh in its journey towards becoming an aviation superpower, recognizing the nation’s untapped potential in the industry.
Empowering Biman Bangladesh Airlines
As part of this alignment, Airbus is currently in negotiations for the sale of 10 wide-body A350 aircraft, including two freight planes, to Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Biman, a state-run airline, currently operates a fleet of 21 aircraft, predominantly Boeing planes from the United States. The introduction of Airbus A350 aircraft into the fleet is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Bangladeshi airlines.
Highlights:
- Airbus Partners with Bangladesh to Foster Aviation Hub Ambition
- Airbus is committed to upskilling Bangladeshis in aviation and aerospace
- Negotiations are in progress for the sale of 10 A350 aircraft to Biman
- Foreign carriers currently hold 80% of Bangladesh’s aviation market
- Bangladesh’s large population and GDP make it an attractive market
- Bangladesh is projected to require 55 wide-body aircraft by 2042
Bangladesh’s Aviation Market
Currently, foreign carriers maintain a stronghold on approximately 80% of Bangladesh’s aviation market. Airbus is poised to redefine this landscape by introducing their new-generation wide-body A350 aircraft, celebrated for their reduced fuel consumption and enhanced passenger experience. This pivotal transition will empower Bangladeshi airlines to engage in robust competition with their international counterparts.
Airbus executives underscored the remarkable potential that Bangladesh holds, characterized by its sizable population of 175 million and a higher GDP per capita compared to India. Morad Bourouffala emphasized their commitment to harnessing the human and skills resources readily available in Bangladesh, recognizing their critical role in the success of this ambitious undertaking.
Strategically situated in Asia, Bangladesh possesses the potential to serve as a vital gateway for travelers navigating between diverse destinations within Asia and around the globe. The establishment of essential infrastructure is a pivotal step towards realizing this visionary objective.
Commitment to Skill Development
Airbus plans to facilitate human capital development in Bangladesh. When Airbus sells aircraft to customers worldwide, it includes a comprehensive training package for their personnel. The company aims to help Bangladesh build a skilled workforce for the aviation and aerospace industry, empowering the nation to participate fully in this dynamic sector.
Supporting Vision 2041
Despite acknowledging Bangladesh as a “shining economy,” Airbus is convinced that the aviation market in the country has not yet reached its full potential. The company’s investment in Bangladesh is grounded in its belief in the country’s Vision 2041 and its commitment to being an integral part of it. Moreover, Airbus is already collaborating with the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University to nurture a talented workforce, thus furthering the nation’s aviation aspirations.
Airbus Global Market Forecast
According to the Airbus Global Market Forecast, Bangladesh is expected to necessitate 105 narrowbody and 55 widebody aircraft by 2042 to meet the escalating demands of air travelers. Juan Camilo Rodríguez, Airbus’s Widebody Market Development Manager, recently conducted a comparative analysis of various countries’ aviation potentials, factoring in their GDP and the volume of air travelers.
Rodríguez’s analysis envisions a remarkable surge in air travel to, from, and within Bangladesh by 2031, with an anticipated 6% international, 8% domestic, and 6.4% overall annual growth rate. Currently, both state-run Biman and private airlines in Bangladesh collectively operate a fleet of 36 aircraft, including 10 wide-bodied planes. Bangladesh’s substantial GDP, valued at $416 billion, coupled with its 7.5 million Bangladeshi expatriates worldwide, underpins its burgeoning aviation industry.
Aviation Landscape in Regional Perspective
In contrast, the Airbus study provides insights into the aviation scenarios of other nations. For instance, Vietnam boasts a fleet of 187 aircraft, including 35 wide-bodied ones, and possesses a GDP of $366 billion, supported by a population of 3.4 million expatriates. Meanwhile, the Philippines operates 172 aircraft, inclusive of 29 wide-bodied planes, with a GDP of $394 billion and a substantial expatriate population of 6.1 million. The Airbus study underscores the potential of Bangladesh’s aviation industry while illustrating its unique position in the global aviation landscape.
Positive impacts on Bangladesh’s aviation sector
Addressing pilot shortage and driving progress:
Addressing pilot shortage and driving progress: Airbus’s presence in Bangladesh is poised to tackle the nation’s pilot shortage by introducing an ab initio school for pilot, mechanic, and engineer training. This move promises to reduce training costs, meet industry demand, and enhance the aviation sector’s growth. The inclusion of Airbus aircraft in airlines like US-Bangla will further bolster the industry while offering cost-effective training opportunities. Overall, Airbus’s contribution to Bangladesh’s aviation infrastructure and ecosystem is seen as a positive development for the industry.
Boosting tourism and economic growth:
Bangladesh’s aviation sector is a catalyst for tourism and economic expansion. Modern aircraft like Boeing’s 787-10 Dreamliner and Airbus’s A350 provide international travelers with comfortable and efficient journeys. Improved connectivity through foreign airlines lures more visitors to explore the country’s rich culture, historical sites, and natural wonders. The expanded air cargo capacity supports international trade, fostering business growth and contributing to overall economic development.
Ensuring sustainable growth and collaboration:
As Bangladesh’s aviation industry grows, sustainability and collaboration are paramount. Government, industry players, and manufacturers must unite to promote eco-friendly practices, invest in infrastructure, and uphold safety standards. Collaborative ventures between local and foreign airlines can facilitate knowledge exchange and skill development, nurturing local talent and expertise. This collaborative approach can help Bangladesh build a resilient aviation ecosystem that meets global standards, benefiting its economy and citizens.
