Saif
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Some people say that Sheikh Bashiruddin and Dr. Khalilur Rahman are Jamaat sympathizers. Is this true?
[🇧🇩] Aviation Industry in Bangladesh
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Bangladesh Defense
Saif
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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.
Saif
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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
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
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.
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.
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.
Expansion roadmap includes new routes to New York, Sydney, Seoul and preparations to revive Dhaka-Narita flights
Star Online Report
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.
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.
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.
Saif
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Biman set to sign $3.7 billion Boeing deal for 14 aircraft in largest fleet expansion
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 i
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
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.
FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
Apr 29, 2026 23:49
Updated :
Apr 29, 2026 23:49
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.
Saif
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Airbus eyes role in Biman mixed fleet
European aerospace giant Airbus today expressed strong interest in supporting the formation of a mixed fleet for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, signalling a renewed push to expand its footprint in Bangladesh’s aviation sector. The interest was conveyed when Airbus Vice President Edward Delahaye
Airbus eyes role in Biman mixed fleet
BSS
Published :
May 05, 2026 15:34
Updated :
May 05, 2026 15:34
European aerospace giant Airbus today expressed strong interest in supporting the formation of a mixed fleet for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, signalling a renewed push to expand its footprint in Bangladesh’s aviation sector.
The interest was conveyed when Airbus Vice President Edward Delahaye paid a courtesy call on Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam at the Secretariat, said a ministry’s press release
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Ministry Secretary Fahmida Akhter, and Biman Managing Director Kaizer Sohel Ahmed were also present at the meeting.
During the discussion, Airbus formally expressed its interest in supporting Biman’s future fleet development through the introduction of a mixed fleet structure, officials said.
The minister and state minister welcomed the proposal and expressed their commitment to working closely with Airbus in exploring future fleet expansion and modernisation opportunities for the national carrier.
The meeting also discussed broader cooperation in Bangladesh’s civil aviation sector as the government moves ahead with long-term plans to strengthen air connectivity and modernise aviation infrastructure.
BSS
Published :
May 05, 2026 15:34
Updated :
May 05, 2026 15:34
European aerospace giant Airbus today expressed strong interest in supporting the formation of a mixed fleet for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, signalling a renewed push to expand its footprint in Bangladesh’s aviation sector.
The interest was conveyed when Airbus Vice President Edward Delahaye paid a courtesy call on Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam at the Secretariat, said a ministry’s press release
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Ministry Secretary Fahmida Akhter, and Biman Managing Director Kaizer Sohel Ahmed were also present at the meeting.
During the discussion, Airbus formally expressed its interest in supporting Biman’s future fleet development through the introduction of a mixed fleet structure, officials said.
The minister and state minister welcomed the proposal and expressed their commitment to working closely with Airbus in exploring future fleet expansion and modernisation opportunities for the national carrier.
The meeting also discussed broader cooperation in Bangladesh’s civil aviation sector as the government moves ahead with long-term plans to strengthen air connectivity and modernise aviation infrastructure.
Saif
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Airbus submits fresh 10-jet offer to Biman
Biman sources said, Airbus has formally submitted new fleet proposal to Biman’s techno-finance committee, offering four Airbus A350-900 wide-body aircraft and six Airbus A321neo jets
en.prothomalo.com
Airbus submits fresh 10-jet offer to Biman
BSS
Dhaka
Published: 17 May 2026, 17: 47
Biman Bangladesh Airlines BSS
European aerospace giant Airbus has made a fresh proposal to Biman Bangladesh Airlines to supply 10 aircraft, days after the national carrier signed a US$3.7 billion deal with rival Boeing, officials said today, Sunday.
Biman sources said, Airbus has formally submitted the new fleet proposal to Biman’s techno-finance committee, offering four Airbus A350-900 wide-body aircraft and six Airbus A321neo jets as part of the airline’s next phase of expansion.
“We have received a fresh proposal from Airbus recently and our techno-finance committee is now evaluating it,” Biman General Manager (PR) Bushra Islam told BSS.
The fresh pitch comes only days after Biman formally signed an agreement with Boeing to acquire 14 aircraft- eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and four Boeing 737 MAX 8- in a landmark deal financed by the US Export-Import Bank.
Airbus Vice President Edward Delahaye recently met Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat and senior Biman officials in Dhaka, where the European manufacturer formally pitched a mixed-fleet strategy for Biman’s long-term expansion.
The renewed proposal comes as the government reviews a roadmap to expand Biman’s fleet to 47 aircraft by fiscal year 2034-35 as part of efforts to modernise the national carrier and strengthen global connectivity.
Aviation expert ATM Nazrul Islam said Airbus sees the expansion roadmap as a major opportunity to break Biman’s long-standing all-Boeing fleet structure after nearly four years of intense competition between the two aircraft manufacturers.
The proposed A350-900 typically accommodates around 300 to 350 passengers depending on cabin configuration, while the A321neo can carry approximately 180 to 220 passengers, making it suitable for regional, Gulf and medium-haul Asian markets.
Islam said adopting a mixed fleet strategy could provide Biman a greater operational flexibility, stronger route adaptability and long-term commercial efficiency.
“A mixed fleet allows an airline to deploy the most suitable aircraft depending on passenger demand, route performance and cost structure,” he said, adding that pilots and engineering teams can be trained to transition between both manufacturers without major operational barriers.
He said such a strategy can ultimately strengthen route economics, improve operational resilience and optimise long-term fleet management.
BSS
Dhaka
Published: 17 May 2026, 17: 47
Biman Bangladesh Airlines BSS
European aerospace giant Airbus has made a fresh proposal to Biman Bangladesh Airlines to supply 10 aircraft, days after the national carrier signed a US$3.7 billion deal with rival Boeing, officials said today, Sunday.
Biman sources said, Airbus has formally submitted the new fleet proposal to Biman’s techno-finance committee, offering four Airbus A350-900 wide-body aircraft and six Airbus A321neo jets as part of the airline’s next phase of expansion.
“We have received a fresh proposal from Airbus recently and our techno-finance committee is now evaluating it,” Biman General Manager (PR) Bushra Islam told BSS.
The fresh pitch comes only days after Biman formally signed an agreement with Boeing to acquire 14 aircraft- eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and four Boeing 737 MAX 8- in a landmark deal financed by the US Export-Import Bank.
Airbus Vice President Edward Delahaye recently met Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat and senior Biman officials in Dhaka, where the European manufacturer formally pitched a mixed-fleet strategy for Biman’s long-term expansion.
The renewed proposal comes as the government reviews a roadmap to expand Biman’s fleet to 47 aircraft by fiscal year 2034-35 as part of efforts to modernise the national carrier and strengthen global connectivity.
Aviation expert ATM Nazrul Islam said Airbus sees the expansion roadmap as a major opportunity to break Biman’s long-standing all-Boeing fleet structure after nearly four years of intense competition between the two aircraft manufacturers.
The proposed A350-900 typically accommodates around 300 to 350 passengers depending on cabin configuration, while the A321neo can carry approximately 180 to 220 passengers, making it suitable for regional, Gulf and medium-haul Asian markets.
Islam said adopting a mixed fleet strategy could provide Biman a greater operational flexibility, stronger route adaptability and long-term commercial efficiency.
“A mixed fleet allows an airline to deploy the most suitable aircraft depending on passenger demand, route performance and cost structure,” he said, adding that pilots and engineering teams can be trained to transition between both manufacturers without major operational barriers.
He said such a strategy can ultimately strengthen route economics, improve operational resilience and optimise long-term fleet management.
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US-Bangla set to lease 21 Boeing aircraft in $1.11b fleet expansion
Formal announcement scheduled for 29 July.
A Boeing plane is displayed at the Dubai Airshow, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 17, 2025. Photo: Reuters
US-Bangla Airlines is set to expand its fleet by adding 21 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft through leasing arrangements in 2027, in a move valued at about $1.11 billion that marks the largest fleet expansion undertaken by a private airline in Bangladesh.
The aircraft will be sourced from five of the world's leading leasing companies, according to Kamrul Islam, spokesperson for the airline, who confirmed the development to The Business Standard.
To formally announce the expansion, US-Bangla and Boeing will jointly host an event at Sheraton Dhaka on 29 July. The programme is expected to be attended by Boeing's vice-president, the US ambassador to Bangladesh, senior representatives of international aircraft leasing firms and leading figures from the country's aviation and tourism sectors.
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According to a letter sent by the airline to Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, the induction of the new aircraft will support plans to develop Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet into regional aviation hubs.Alongside expanding operations from Dhaka, the airline intends to launch international services from Chattogram and Sylhet to destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
"This is not merely a business expansion. The addition of these new aircraft represents a landmark investment in Bangladesh's aviation industry," Kamrul said.
US-Bangla currently operates a fleet of 25 aircraft, making it the country's largest airline by fleet size.
Earlier in April, state-owned Biman Bangladesh Airlines signed a $3.7-billion agreement with Boeing to purchase 14 aircraft to expand its fleet to 47 aircraft by 2035.
Industry sees major boost for aviation sector
Kazi Wahidul Alam, an aviation expert and former Biman board member, described the move as one of the most significant fleet expansion decisions in Bangladesh's aviation history.
"No government or private airline in Bangladesh has previously undertaken such a large-scale fleet expansion at one time. This is a remarkable achievement for US-Bangla Airlines and clearly reflects its long-term vision," he said.
Wahidul added that a broader international network could have positive implications for the economy by boosting tourism, exports and foreign investment.
Industry observers say Bangladesh's international passenger market remains heavily dependent on foreign carriers, resulting in a considerable outflow of foreign currency each year.
They believe that strengthening the capacity of local airlines could enable domestic operators to capture a larger share of international routes, reduce reliance on overseas carriers and retain more foreign exchange within the country.
Experts also noted that the additional aircraft would require a substantial workforce, including pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, cabin crew, dispatchers, ground-handling personnel and other technical staff.
The expansion is therefore expected to create thousands of jobs and widen career opportunities for young Bangladeshis, particularly in pilot training and aircraft maintenance engineering.
Wahidul said operating the enlarged fleet would require a significant increase in skilled personnel and support staff, creating new employment opportunities across the aviation sector.
