Biman Bangladesh Airlines has signed a firm order for ten Airbus aircraft, including four A350-900 and six A321neo, according to a report dated October 7, 2026. This order is meant to complement the 25 Boeing aircraft the airline ordered earlier in the year. The agreement was signed in Dhaka, with representatives from Biman and Airbus, and in the presence of Bangladeshi officials. The A350-900 models are intended for long-haul flights, while the A321neo models will be used for regional and medium-haul routes. Airbus mentioned that Biman has ambitions in North America, Europe, and the Middle East, though no specific new routes have been announced yet. Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, commercial director of Airbus's Commercial Aircraft division, said the order marks an important milestone in the partnership with Biman Bangladesh Airlines. He noted that the deal should help the airline meet growing demand and serve new international destinations. This order does not signal a move away from Boeing but is part of the second phase of Biman's fleet renewal program. The program already includes five Boeing 787-10 and six 737-8 aircraft, in addition to an initial order of 14 aircraft placed earlier this year. Currently, Biman operates Boeing 777, 787, and 737 aircraft on its international routes. The introduction of Airbus planes means both manufacturers will be part of Biman's fleet, requiring new training and technical support for staff. The Bangladeshi agency UNB stated that the cooperation with Airbus will also cover engineering, maintenance, and the training of technical and operational personnel. The mention of North America in the press release does not mean Biman will start operating in the region with the A350 aircraft. The airline already serves Toronto via a Boeing 787-9, with a technical stop in Istanbul, and plans to increase to three weekly flights during the winter 2024-2025 season. The future Airbus aircraft are intended to strengthen or expand this presence, not to enter a completely new market. From its hub in Dhaka, Biman aims to meet the travel needs of the Bangladeshi diaspora, especially in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The Airbus press release highlights family and economic exchanges as a key driver for demand for international routes, along with needs related to foreign trade. Rumee A. Hossain, chairman of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, described the planned fleet expansion as a measured and reasonable ambition. During the signing ceremony, the minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Mr. Rashiduzzaman Millat, linked the acquisition to the government's goal of making Bangladesh a regional aviation hub. The cabin configurations, number of seats, contract amount, and delivery dates have not been disclosed. A preliminary roadmap from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism suggests the aircraft will arrive starting around 2033. However, The Daily Star reported that the minister requested Airbus to deliver at least one aircraft as early as 2026-2027, and the authorities are seeking to speed up the schedule.