Biman to ink Boeing deal for 14 aircraft tomorrow

Dhaka: Biman Bangladesh Airlines is set to sign a major aircraft procurement deal with US aerospace giant Boeing on April 30, marking a significant step in its fleet expansion plan.

The agreement will be signed at a ceremony at the ballroom of InterContinental Dhaka at 7:30 pm, Biman officials confirmed.

Under the deal, the airline will acquire at least 14 new aircraft, according to insiders.

The event is expected to be attended by Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, Civil Aviation Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, and US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen, along with senior officials from Boeing and Biman.

The deal follows a prolonged competition between European planemaker Airbus and Boeing to secure Biman’s order. With the agreement nearing finalization, Boeing has effectively taken the lead over its European rival.

Speaking last week, State Minister Rashiduzzaman Millat said the government aimed to finalize the agreement by April 30, including the purchase of 14 aircraft and the leasing of several others to strengthen operations.

Earlier this month, he noted that the interim government had already given in-principle approval to the purchase, leaving only the formal signing pending. However, he also indicated that the incoming government could still review the offer before finalization.

Industry insiders estimate the deal to be worth around USD 3.7 billion at list prices. The proposed order includes a combination of wide-body Boeing 787 Dreamliner and narrow-body Boeing 737 MAX jets, aimed at enhancing both long-haul and regional connectivity.

Given that deliveries may take up to five years and extend into the next decade, the government is planning interim solutions, including leasing aircraft to ease current capacity constraints.