Highlights:
- Airline says delegation is preparing for induction of new Boeing aircraft from 2031.
- Officials to meet aircraft makers, engine suppliers and leasing companies at Farnborough.
- Former CAAB chief says such visits can be justified, but delegation size should reflect economic realities.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has defended its decision to send a five-member delegation to the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 in the United Kingdom, saying the visit is aimed at supporting the airline’s long-term fleet expansion plans after questions were raised about the size of the delegation and the cost of the trip.
Official documents obtained by The Business Standard show that Biman Managing Director and CEO Kaizer Sohail Ahmed and four senior officials left for the UK on 19 July to attend the airshow. The delegation is scheduled to return on 25 July, with the trip treated as official duty and funded by the national carrier.
The delegation also includes Capt AKM Aminul Islam, director of flight operations; Air Cdre Md Monzur-E-Alam, director of engineering and material management; M Masudur Rahman, director of corporate planning and training; and Capt Sheikh Abbas Hussain, deputy general manager (corporate planning).
When contacted, Biman Acting Spokesperson Md Mohiuddin said the delegation was holding meetings with Boeing, engine manufacturers, aircraft leasing companies, and suppliers of cabin interiors, seats, galleys and other equipment.
“Preparations for receiving new aircraft begin several years before delivery. Since Biman is expected to receive its newly ordered Boeing aircraft from 2031-32, decisions on engine selection, cabin configuration and onboard equipment must start well in advance,” he told The Business Standard.
The Farnborough Airshow allows airlines to meet aircraft manufacturers, engine makers, leasing companies and component suppliers from around the world in one place instead of visiting them separately, he added.
“Our engineering, flight operations and planning teams are there to evaluate technical and commercial options directly with manufacturers and vendors,” Mohiuddin said.
Biman issued the clarification after the trip drew criticism on social media over the size of the delegation and the cost of the visit.
Rejecting claims that the trip would cost several crores of taka, the Biman acting spokesperson said the figures circulating on social media were inaccurate.
“This is a routine overseas official visit conducted under government rules and with all required approvals,” he added.
Former Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh chairman Air Vice Marshal (retd) M Mafidur Rahman said participation in the Farnborough Airshow should not be viewed solely as an aircraft procurement mission.
“If Biman believes the visit will help its future fleet expansion, maintenance, training or technology adoption, then the visit is not unjustified,” he told TBS, adding, “However, the size of the delegation should always reflect the country’s economic realities.”
He also said Biman should clearly explain the delegation’s objectives, including whom officials planned to meet and what benefits the airline expected from the visit, to address public concerns.
The Farnborough International Airshow is one of the aviation industry’s largest trade events, bringing together aircraft manufacturers, airlines, leasing companies, regulators and technology suppliers to showcase new developments and discuss commercial partnerships.
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