Ministry eyes new aircraft for Biman within govt tenure; Boeing process continues

Dhaka: The government is moving ahead with plans to expand the fleet of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, with a focus on adding new Boeing aircraft within the tenure of the current regime, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said on April 22.

The remarks came during a high-level meeting at the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry at the Bangladesh Secretariat, where officials reviewed a long-term roadmap to increase the national carrier’s fleet to 47 aircraft by the 2034–35 fiscal year.

Emphasizing the government’s commitment, the State Minister said the process to procure Boeing aircraft will continue, with necessary steps already underway, read a press release from the ministry. He stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in procurement procedures to ensure timely delivery of aircraft and called for coordinated efforts among all stakeholders to add new planes to Biman’s fleet during the current government tenure.

He also directed authorities to take necessary preparations for resuming flights on the Dhaka–Narita route, signaling renewed focus on expanding international connectivity.

Presiding over the meeting, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroz Khanam underscored the need for a comprehensive and data-driven approach before adding any aircraft. She said each acquisition must be backed by route-based revenue and cost analysis to ensure financial sustainability.

“With timely and realistic measures, Biman Bangladesh Airlines can be transformed into a more profitable and passenger-friendly airline,” she added.

The meeting also reviewed initiatives undertaken during the previous government regarding fleet expansion and assessed their current status.

Senior officials, including Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhtar and the Managing Director of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, were present at the meeting along with other officials.