Bangladesh’s national carrier is preparing to finalize a major aircraft purchase agreement with Boeing on Thursday, according to government aviation sources, representing a notable departure from previous plans to work with European rival Airbus.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines will acquire 14 planes from the American manufacturer in a deal that includes both smaller narrow-body jets and larger wide-body aircraft, though officials have not revealed the contract’s total value. The purchase is designed to update the airline’s aging fleet while increasing capacity to serve growing passenger demand.
Two government sources, speaking anonymously due to media restrictions, confirmed the signing ceremony will take place Thursday evening in Dhaka. The new aircraft will arrive gradually over time, though specific delivery schedules and financial terms remain undisclosed.
Boeing representatives were not available for immediate comment when contacted outside normal business hours.
This procurement decision concludes an extended competition between the two aviation giants for Bangladesh’s business, as both companies have been working to establish stronger footholds in South Asia’s expanding airline market.
The choice represents a policy reversal from the previous administration under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which had greenlit purchasing 10 Airbus planes, though no final contract was ever executed. After that government collapsed during widespread protests in 2024, the new interim leadership pivoted toward the American option.
Government officials indicated the Boeing selection reflects both operational needs and broader economic strategy. Bangladesh is working to address an approximately $6 billion trade deficit with America while avoiding potential tariff increases that could damage its export-focused economy, especially the crucial textile manufacturing sector.
The fleet modernization aligns with wider improvements to Bangladesh’s aviation infrastructure, including construction of an additional terminal at Dhaka’s main airport, designed to accommodate increased passenger volume from the country’s expanding middle class and substantial overseas worker population.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines, established 54 years ago, currently operates more than 20 aircraft, with Boeing planes making up the majority of its fleet. More than half of these are wide-body jets, supplemented by several Dash-8 turboprop aircraft.
