Biman Bangladesh Airlines has embarked on an ambitious plan to expand its fleet and routes, with the goal of improving connectivity, boosting tourism, and elevating Bangladesh’s status as a sought-after international travel destination.
Shafiul Azim, the managing director and chief executive officer of the national flag carrier, unveiled his vision for this exciting initiative during an exclusive interview with New Age Business magazine, where Senior Correspondent Shahin Akhter captured the key highlights from their discussion.
Shafiul Azim stated that Biman Bangladesh Airlines is actively working to expand its reach by adding new aircraft to its fleet and exploring new destinations.
He expressed his belief that ‘as the airline grows, so too will tourism in the country.’
‘Bangladesh holds immense tourism potential, and the aviation sector can play a pivotal role in unlocking this potential,’ he remarked. His comments coincide with the anticipation of International Tourism Day, scheduled for September 27.
Azim highlighted the aviation sector’s capacity to enhance communication and connectivity, leveraging Bangladesh’s strategic geographical location and exploring new routes to facilitate various forms of tourism.
‘Biman is fully committed to infusing the essence of our nation into its services and network, showcasing Bangladesh’s rich history, natural beauty, vibrant culture, and national pride,’ he stated.
The Biman CEO praised Bangladesh’s abundant natural beauty, referring to it as a divine gift.
He said, ‘The country’s unique appeal lies in its diverse seasons, coastal location, the world’s longest sandy beach, pristine mangrove forests, picturesque hills, expansive plains, serene haors, quaint villages, and meandering rivers — all within the same nation.’
Azim stated that Bangladesh achieved its independence under the leadership of its founding president, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a fact that continues to attract tourists to this remarkable country.
When discussing the pivotal role of the aviation sector, including Biman Bangladesh Airlines, in advancing tourism in Bangladesh, Shafiul Azim highlighted prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s vision of making Bangladesh a central hub for both tourism and communication due to its strategically advantageous location.
He underscored the tremendous opportunities presented by air travel, as travellers can reach other countries in the subcontinent from Bangladesh within just five to six hours by airplane.
‘Effective communication,’ he stressed, ‘plays a vital role in attracting tourists. In this regard, we are not content with the current Biman fleet and are actively working on the prime minister’s directives to expand and enhance it.’
Azim emphasised the synergy among key entities within the civil aviation and tourism ministry, including Biman, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Tourism Board, and the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation. ‘They all operate under a unified umbrella to achieve their common goals,’ he said.
Moreover, he elaborated on how Biman’s in-flight services contribute to the promotion of local culture, the showcasing of natural beauty, historical and archaeological sites, and the inclusion of local culinary delights while adhering to international standards and compliance.
‘We currently operate a fleet of 21 aircraft, all of which are modern Boeing and Dash models,’ he noted.
Shafiul Azim elaborated on the multifaceted considerations that govern aviation operations, including the profitability of routes, the adequacy of equipment, pricing alignment with marketing and passenger demand, competition from budget airlines, and the viability of round-trip routes.
He emphasised that increasing flight frequencies could lead to reduced expenditures and underscored the need for shorter-capacity planes to support route expansion.
Azim acknowledged that their initial plan to double the fleet by 2030 faced setbacks due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war but expressed optimism about their renewed efforts. ‘We are back on track,’ he affirmed.
Responding to a query about an offer from Airbus, the managing director shared that they were evaluating the proposal.
He believed that diversifying the fleet would provide passengers with more options, stating, ‘When something new emerges in the aviation sector, people naturally want to experience it’.
Regarding Biman’s capacity to carry passengers to popular destinations, Azim pointed out that insufficient attention had been given to this aspect since the airline’s inception.
However, under the leadership of the current prime minister, Biman has acquired state-of-the-art airplanes, including Boeing 787, Boeing 787-8, Boeing 787-9, and the latest Boeing 777 models.
Azim also highlighted Biman’s commitment to expansion, stating that they have secured investment and are actively working to grow their network.
Biman began its flight to Narita in Japan on September 1, he stated, emphasising that their efforts to explore additional routes from Narita to other countries were in progress.
Biman now has ambitious plans to extend its reach, including routes to Bali in Indonesia. Additionally, Biman aspires to connect Sydney and Narita to the west coast of the United States, specifically targeting Los Angeles, as well as Montreal in Canada, he said.
Shafiul Azim shared, ‘Every year, a significant number of tourists from Japan, Korea, and China visit our neighbouring countries, India and Nepal, where many religiously significant places are located. We aim to make it convenient for these tourists to explore Bangladesh as well.’
He went on to mention that on September 14, Biman is set to resume its regular flights to Guangzhou in China.
‘China is a vast country with a keen interest in our nation,’ he commented, adding, ‘I believe that establishing easy and convenient travel connections between Dhaka and China will create attractive opportunities for both local and foreign tourists.’
Regarding their plans to expand routes in Canada and various EU countries, Azim explained that Biman currently operates two flights to Canada per week and is actively working to increase this frequency to a minimum of three flights as soon as possible.
‘Biman has already completed its preparations to establish connectivity with John F. Kennedy International Airport in the USA, while the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh has some pending tasks to address,’ he explained. ‘We are determined to resume flights to JFK Airport by the end of this year.’
In addition to the JFK route, Biman is actively collaborating with Gulf Air to reinstate flights to Rome.
However, Biman is facing challenges related to aircraft shortages, pilot availability, and cockpit crews. Azim stressed, ‘Our top priority now is to recruit pilots.’
He highlighted that Biman currently operates seven flights per week to the UK, with four to Heathrow and three to Manchester. ‘Compared to other airlines, our UK flight fares are more affordable,’ he noted, emphasizing that these flights provide direct service without the need for layovers.
On a domestic level, Azim mentioned that people were increasingly choosing air travel for its speed, safety, and comfort, especially for short-distance trips.
‘Biman aims to expand and improve the existing airports within the country to meet this growing demand,’ he said.
Regarding the under-construction third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Azim explained that its opening would elevate the airport to international standards.
This expansion would result in an increased number of boarding bridges and baggage belts, ultimately reducing the time required for various airport processes, he said.
Shafiul Azim emphasised the strategic importance of Cox’s Bazar airport, citing its geographical significance within a network of airways, sea routes, railways, and roads.
He noted that it would open up convenient access to destinations like Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Bali.
‘With its proximity to renowned tourist spots,’ he expressed ‘confidence in Cox’s Bazar becoming an attractive destination in the future.’
When discussing various facets of tourism, the managing director emphasized the potential for diversifying beyond traditional packages, including medical, religious, and eco-tourism.
Biman annually facilitates Hajj services and contributes to events such as Tabligh and Rush Mela in Bangladesh.
Furthermore, Bangladesh boasts birthplaces of significant figures from various religious backgrounds, as well as renowned historical sites.
‘These unique cultural and historical attractions can be effectively promoted through strategic branding efforts,’ he said.
Regarding the workforce, Azim mentioned that Biman currently employs a total of 7,500 individuals, including both permanent and temporary staff.
He acknowledged that fleet expansion had previously faced challenges but expressed optimism about reaching an optimal fleet size by 2030 to drive growth.
Azim proudly stated that Biman is debt-free and profitable. ‘We consistently make timely payments for the airplanes we have purchased. Despite fluctuations in the dollar exchange rate, the airline remained profitable, with expectations for continued profitability.’
Addressing concerns about ground handling delays, Shafiul Azim mentioned that such issues are not unique to Biman and occur in other countries as well, suggesting that it’s a common industry challenge.
‘With the inauguration of the third terminal, the introduction of new equipment slated for this year, and an ongoing Japanese project, Biman is committed to enhancing its services,’ he affirmed.
Regarding Biman’s catering service, he noted that Biman provides catering to renowned airlines with the expertise of celebrated chefs.
He acknowledged the challenges faced in various sectors but expressed the airline’s dedication to development.
He emphasized that as the country progresses, Biman strives not to lag behind.
When asked about Biman’s aspiration to become one of the best airlines in Asia by 2030, he explained that the airline is actively identifying and addressing its shortcomings.
‘By exploring all possible avenues, Biman is determined to achieve a position of pride and continuous progress,’ he said.