[🇧🇩] Aviation Industry in Bangladesh

[🇧🇩] Aviation Industry in Bangladesh
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More threads by Saif

G Bangladesh Defense
This man (Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin) is a jewel in Dr. Yunus' cabinet, especially for our aviation sector. Being a highly successful businessman he was a superb pick - and he stayed above all corruption and acted as a patriotic citizen in negotiating trade details with the US. A man of his brilliance and stature is unheard of in subcontinental politics (or even business, I will say). A visit to one of his many well-managed ultramodern computer-controlled and robotics-equipped factories is convincing enough, which yours truly has seen.

He was the primary US tariff trade negotiator (along with the brilliant Dr. Khalilur Rahman) and earned us the rewards in that scenario, unheard of in other countries.

I hope BNP will utilize him as an adviser in some capacity - but alas, he may not be interested. BNP is already going with Dr. Khalil as an adviser - it seems, which is nevertheless positively encouraging for all Bangladeshis.
Some people say that Sheikh Bashiruddin and Dr. Khalilur Rahman are Jamaat sympathizers. Is this true?
 
The US has Bangladesh Govt. convinced that the latter must pay proper share for any trade imbalance if Bangladesh has to avoid punitive tariffs. Paying that proper share means Bangladesh buying US agri products (oil seeds, cereal, food grains), US cotton and of course - Boeing aircraft for the national air carrier. No amount of complaints by Airbus will change this.
We have to buy Boeing passenger planes to make sure that our $8 billion exports to the USA don't face any hiccups. Having said that, I must admit that technologically Airbus planes are superior to Boeing planes.
 

Biman eyes big fleet expansion, targets 47 aircraft by FY 2034-35
Expansion roadmap includes new routes to New York, Sydney, Seoul and preparations to revive Dhaka-Narita flights

Star Online Report

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Boeing 737-800. Photo: Biman Bangladesh Airlines

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is planning a major fleet expansion, with a target of increasing its aircraft count to 47 by the 2034-35 fiscal year, primarily through the acquisition of Boeing planes.

The expansion roadmap was discussed in detail at a meeting held today at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism in Secretariat.

The discussion reviewed the integration of Boeing aircraft into the current fleet, as well as initiatives previously undertaken by the former interim government regarding aircraft procurement.

At the meeting, Biman also presented its plan to operate flights on Yangon, Male, and New York routes by 2026; Kunming and Bahrain routes by 2028; and Sydney, Wuhan, Jakarta, and Seoul routes by 2029.

Biman currently operates a fleet of 19 aircraft, 14 of which are Boeings. Under the new plan, the national flag carrier is expected to purchase eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft.

Regarding the purchase of Boeing aircraft, at the meeting, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said Biman should first study how much profit each route earns and only then form a comprehensive plan before adding new planes.

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Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Photo: Biman Bangladesh Airlines

She said it was possible to make Biman Bangladesh Airlines a more profitable and passenger-friendly institution through timely and realistic steps.

State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said work on acquiring Boeing aircraft must continue without interruption.

He stressed the need to keep the supply chain on time and urged all sides to work together so new aircraft can be added during the current government’s tenure.

Additionally, the meeting issued directives to take necessary preparations to resume flight operations on the Dhaka-Narita route.

Biman launched the Dhaka-Narita flight on September 1, 2023, but later suspended it from July 1, 2025.

At that time, Biman cited Hajj flights, aircraft shortages, and business realities as the reasons for stopping the flight.

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Interior of a Boeing 787-1 Dreamliner. Photo: Biman Bangladesh Airlines

Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhtar and Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director Kaizer Sohel Ahmed were present at the meeting.

During the interim government, Biman said it will buy 14 aircraft from US plane-maker Boeing.

The first aircraft from Boeing is scheduled for delivery in November 2031, with the remaining planes expected to arrive by October 2035, said sources in Biman.

Biman has faced aircraft shortage in recent years after failing to manage plane availability through leasing, disrupting existing routes and delaying the launch of new services.

Under the previous Awami League government, a policy decision was announced to buy 10 Airbus aircraft, Boeing’s European rival.

After the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in the 2024 mass uprising, and amid pressure related to US reciprocal tariffs, the interim government shifted in favour of Boeing.

Biman has posted profits for five years in a row. The state-owned carrier recorded a net profit of Tk 785 crore in the fiscal year 2024-25, a rise of 178 percent from the previous year.​
 

Biman set to sign $3.7 billion Boeing deal for 14 aircraft in largest fleet expansion

FE ONLINE REPORT

Published :
Apr 29, 2026 23:49
Updated :
Apr 29, 2026 23:49

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Bangladesh’s flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines is poised to sign a $3.7 billion agreement with US aerospace giant Boeing to purchase 14 aircraft, marking the largest fleet expansion in the airline’s history.

The deal is expected to be formalised on Thursday evening at a ceremony in Dhaka, attended by senior government officials, diplomats and aviation executives, according to people familiar with the arrangements.

Under the agreement, Biman will acquire a mix of long-haul and short-haul aircraft, including eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and four Boeing 737-8 MAX jets. The list reflects a strategic shift towards expanding long-distance capacity while maintaining flexibility on regional routes.

The contract will be signed by Biman’s managing director and chief executive, Kaiser Sohel Ahmed, alongside a Boeing representative. Among those expected to attend are Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat and the US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent T Christensen.

Officials say the purchase is driven by rising passenger demand and the need to modernise an ageing fleet, as Bangladesh’s aviation sector expands alongside its economy. The new aircraft are expected to strengthen Biman’s presence on routes to Europe, the Middle East and across Asia, while also enhancing connectivity on shorter regional sectors.

The Dreamliner jets, known for their fuel efficiency and long-range capabilities, are likely to be deployed on intercontinental routes, while the 737 MAX aircraft will serve domestic and short-haul international destinations.

If completed, the agreement would represent a significant step in Biman’s efforts to compete more effectively with regional carriers and to position Bangladesh as an increasingly important player in South Asia’s growing aviation market.​
 

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