Bangladesh to buy 14 aircraft from Boeing
Bangladesh’s new government has decided to purchase 14 aircraft from US-based Boeing Company, an official said Wednesday.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said a formal agreement is expected to be signed soon, following high-level discussions with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The acquisition is seen as a key step in addressing aircraft shortages faced by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, which currently operates a fleet insufficient to sustain its expanding international network.
Officials estimate the deal could be worth around $2.8 billion and will help increase Biman’s operational capacity, particularly on long-haul and high-demand regional routes. At present, the airline operates fewer than 20 aircraft, while projections suggest it needs at least 30 to 35 planes to maintain efficiency and support planned route expansion.
The government also announced the resumption of direct flights between Dhaka and Tokyo starting in June, a move aimed at boosting business travel, tourism, and connectivity with East Asia. Authorities believe restoring this route will strengthen economic ties and facilitate greater passenger flow between the two countries.
In parallel, Bangladesh is exploring discussions with European aerospace firm Airbus to develop a balanced fleet in the future. Officials said a mixed fleet strategy could improve operational flexibility and cost efficiency over the long term.
To address immediate capacity constraints, the government is also considering short-term leasing options to quickly add aircraft within the next few months. Long-term plans include expanding Biman’s fleet to nearly 50 aircraft by the mid-2030s, positioning the airline as a more competitive regional carrier.
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