Biman orders 14 Boeing jets in mega deal

The government on Thursday formalised its largest-ever aviation purchase, signing a definitive agreement with US manufacturer Boeing to acquire 14 aircraft for the state-owned Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

The deal, signed at the Hotel Intercontinental, covers two 787-9 and eight 787-10 Dreamliners, alongside four 737 MAX 8 jets. 

The acquisition is a strategic pivot by the interim administration, which opted for Boeing over a previous proposal to procure Airbus aircraft following the change in government in 2024.

Beyond fleet modernisation, the agreement is a crucial diplomatic lever aimed at narrowing a $6 billion trade deficit with the United States. 

By increasing imports, Dhaka hopes to secure tariff concessions for Bangladeshi exports, particularly ready-made garments, which currently account for 20% of the country’s trade with the US.

M Rashiduzzaman Millat, state minister for civil aviation and tourism, described the move as more than a simple transaction. 

"This is not only a purchase agreement; it is a strong partnership between Bangladesh and the USA," he said, adding that the new jets would "increase capacity and connectivity... across the world."

The agreement was signed by Biman Managing Director and CEO Kaizer Sohel Ahmed and Boeing Vice President Paul Righi. 

The ceremony was also attended by the Prime Minister’s Adviser M Humayun Kabir, Biman Board Chairman Rumee A Hossain, and US Ambassador Brent T Christensen.

Officials noted that the wide-body Dreamliners will bolster long-haul routes to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, while the 737 MAX aircraft will strengthen regional operations. 

The expansion coincides with the operationalisation of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2031, with the full order expected by 2035. 

This follows a previous modernisation phase between 2011 and 2019, during which Biman spent approximately Tk19,000 crore on 12 Boeing aircraft.

The national carrier, which currently operates a fleet of over 20 aircraft, is under increasing pressure to meet the demands of a growing middle class and a vast overseas workforce. Sources confirmed that the decision to stick with Boeing was influenced by the need to mitigate potential US tariff hikes that could otherwise threaten the stability of the national economy.