[🇧🇩] Aviation Industry in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Govt 'signals interest' in Airbus amid EU lobbying

After sealing a Boeing deal, the government has “signalled interest” in adding Airbus aircraft to Biman's fleet following sustained European lobbying. On Wednesday, ambassadors and representatives from the UK, France, Germany, Spain and the European Union met Civil Aviation Minister Af

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Govt 'signals interest' in Airbus amid EU lobbying

After sealing a Boeing deal, the government has “signalled interest” in adding Airbus aircraft to Biman's fleet following sustained European lobbying.

On Wednesday, ambassadors and representatives from the UK, France, Germany, Spain and the European Union met Civil Aviation Minister Afroza Khanam and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, bdnews24.com reports.

The ministry said Afroza and Rashiduzzaman had expressed interest in purchasing Airbus aircraft “to build a sustainable mixed fleet while safeguarding national interests”.

On Apr 30, state-owned Biman signed a $3.7 billion deal with Boeing to buy 14 aircraft.

The contest between Boeing and Airbus over Biman's fleet has continued for years.

The Awami League government had planned to buy 10 Airbus aircraft, but the policy shifted after the political changeover on Aug 5, 2024, with the interim administration opting for Boeing instead.

The BNP government, which took office in February this year, also backed Boeing, signing the 14-aircraft deal within two months.

Airbus, however, continued lobbying senior government officials, while European diplomats maintained regular contacts.

Reports in June suggested the government had become receptive to Airbus.

According to the ministry, Wednesday's meeting focused on expanding Biman's fleet with Airbus aircraft, while the European delegation pledged full cooperation.

The two sides also discussed strengthening Bangladesh's bilateral ties with the EU and cooperation in civil aviation.

French President Emmanuel Macron had announced during his 2023 Dhaka visit that Bangladesh had committed to buying 10 Airbus aircraft.

Before Boeing secured its order, European diplomats jointly highlighted Bangladesh's longstanding trade ties with Europe and duty-free market access.

Despite the latest shift, questions remain over whether aircraft purchases driven by diplomatic pressure rather than Biman's own operational assessment will prove commercially viable.

Biman currently operates 19 aircraft, including 14 Boeing jets and five Dash 8-400 turboprops.

No detailed plan has yet been disclosed on how the airline would manage a mixed fleet.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh to buy both Boeing, Airbus jets to expand Biman fleet

Bangladesh has decided to purchase both Boeing and Airbus aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines as part of fleet expansion with mixed aircraft, keeping national interests protected. “We have to take country’s civil aviation sector to new heights. We have to purchase whatever we need.

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh to buy both Boeing, Airbus jets to expand Biman fleet

Bangladesh has decided to purchase both Boeing and Airbus aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines as part of fleet expansion with mixed aircraft, keeping national interests protected.

“We have to take country’s civil aviation sector to new heights. We have to purchase whatever we need. We need Boeing, we need Airbus (aircraft), too. We will purchase both,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.

She said the government is committed to strengthening the country’s civil aviation sector while pursuing prudent economic management.

“The Prime Minister inherited a fragile economy from the previous governments. To put the economy on a stronger footing, we need to exercise austerity on the one hand, while also purchasing what the country requires. We need both Boeing and Airbus. We will buy both,” the state minister said.

She said Bangladesh does not give preferential treatment to any particular country. “Absolutely not,” she said when asked whether any country was receiving greater preference.

“The interests of Bangladesh are always given top priority when it comes to investment,” Shama Obaed added.

Bangladesh has reportedly expressed its interest in procuring Airbus aircraft to develop a sustainable mixed fleet for the national flag carrier while protecting the country’s strategic interests.

The issue was also discussed between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, and ambassadors and senior diplomats representing France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and the European Union at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism on Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by French Ambassador Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Sistiaga, German Chargé d’Affaires Anja Tersten and Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Baiba Zerin.

The French ambassador has recently underlined the importance of ensuring a fair and level playing field to encourage greater engagement by European companies in Bangladesh’s aviation sector.

He emphasised the commitment of European aerospace leader Airbus to supporting the growth of Bangladesh’s aviation industry.

The issues were discussed when he met Chairman of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Rumee A Hossain last week to discuss opportunities for strengthening cooperation in the civil aviation sector.​

 

[Saif]

Biman to lease 10 aircraft by 2027: Millat

Biman Bangladesh Airlines plans to lease up to 10 aircraft by 2027 to expand its international network and bridge a capacity gap before 14 newly ordered Boeing aircraft begin arriving from 2031. “We plan to lease up to 10 aircraft within this year. This will enable us to increase flight...

en.prothomalo.com

Biman to lease 10 aircraft by 2027: Millat

BSS
Dhaka
Published: 19 Jul 2026, 19: 45

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat File Photo

Biman Bangladesh Airlines plans to lease up to 10 aircraft by 2027 to expand its international network and bridge a capacity gap before 14 newly ordered Boeing aircraft begin arriving from 2031.

“We plan to lease up to 10 aircraft within this year. This will enable us to increase flight frequencies on various international routes and expand services to new destinations,” State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat told BSS today, Sunday.

He said the national flag carrier initially plans to lease three aircraft, although the number could increase depending on operational requirements and its route expansion strategy.

The move could expand Biman's existing 19-aircraft fleet to as many as 29 by 2027, marking a 52.6 per cent increase and one of the carrier's most significant short-term capacity expansions.

Millat said the government is placing particular emphasis on transparency in the leasing process and has initiated steps to appoint an international consultant to oversee it.

“We want to ensure that the leasing process is conducted with complete transparency. To that end, we have initiated the appointment of an international consultant. Around 40 applications have been received, and a qualified firm will be selected from among them to oversee the entire leasing process,” he said.

The leasing initiative is separate from Biman's planned procurement of 14 new Boeing aircraft in a deal estimated at around US$3.7 billion. The new aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2031 and 2035.

With newly manufactured aircraft from Boeing and Airbus generally unavailable for near-term delivery, Biman is turning to the international leasing market as an interim solution to meet growing passenger demand, increase frequencies on existing routes and open new destinations.

As part of the initiative, Biman has already invited international proposals to dry lease three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for six years, targeting their induction in early 2027.

According to a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued on 15 July, the airline is seeking offers from aircraft owners, manufacturers, airlines, operators and leasing companies for three 787-9s on 72-month dry leases.

Under a dry lease arrangement, Biman would lease the aircraft without crew, maintenance or insurance and operate them with its own personnel under its Air Operator Certificate.

The airline has set 9 August as the deadline for submitting proposals and indicated 1 January 2027, as its preferred delivery date, although aircraft offered for delivery by 28 February may also be considered.

Biman expects each leased aircraft to operate around 4,000 flight hours annually. The carrier has stipulated that the aircraft should be no more than 15 years old as of 30 June 2027, be powered by GEnx-1B74/75 engines and have a two-class cabin configuration with more than 300 seats.

Biman currently operates 19 aircraft, comprising four Boeing 777-300ERs, four Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, four Boeing 737s and five Dash 8-400 turboprops.

Alongside its Boeing procurement, the government is exploring the acquisition of Airbus aircraft as part of a longer-term strategy to develop a sustainable mixed fleet.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam earlier said the government intends to procure aircraft from both major manufacturers.

“Our country needs both Boeing and Airbus. We will purchase both,” she said, adding that Bangladesh's national interests would remain the government's priority in investment and procurement decisions.

The Airbus issue also featured in a recent meeting between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister Millat and senior diplomats representing France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and the European Union.

During the meeting, the government conveyed its interest in including Airbus aircraft in Biman's long-term fleet expansion programme, while the European representatives expressed their readiness to extend cooperation.

Biman's expansion comes as Bangladesh's aviation industry enters a period of rapid capacity growth, with private carriers also moving to strengthen their fleets and international networks.

US-Bangla Airlines is preparing to add 21 leased Boeing 737-8 aircraft in 2027 under an expansion programme valued at approximately US$1.11 billion, while Air Astra and Novoair are also pursuing fleet expansion and new international routes.

Aviation analyst ATM Nazrul Islam said securing suitable aircraft at competitive lease rates would be crucial for Biman as domestic and foreign carriers compete for a larger share of Bangladesh's growing international passenger market.

The proposed addition of up to 10 leased aircraft could provide Biman with much-needed near-term capacity to strengthen existing services and launch new routes while awaiting delivery of its next generation of newly manufactured aircraft.​

 

[Saif]

US-Bangla unveils $1.5b leasing plan for 21 Boeing aircraft

US-Bangla Airlines today, Wednesday unveiled a US$1.5 billion fleet expansion plan to add 21 Boeing aircraft under leasing arrangements by the end of 2027, marking one of the largest expansion initiatives by a private Bangladeshi airline.

en.prothomalo.com

US-Bangla unveils $1.5b leasing plan for 21 Boeing aircraft

BSS
Dhaka

An official announcement was made today at the "Beyond with Boeing" event, held at a hotel in Banani in Dhaka on 29 July 2026, regarding the lease of 21 aircraft from Boeing. Civil Aviation and Tourism State Minister Rashiduzzaman Millat attended the event as the chief guest. Prothom Alo

US-Bangla Airlines today, Wednesday unveiled a US$1.5 billion fleet expansion plan to add 21 Boeing aircraft under leasing arrangements by the end of 2027, marking one of the largest expansion initiatives by a private Bangladeshi airline.

The plan includes 15 Boeing 737-8 and six Boeing 737-800 aircraft as the airline seeks to significantly expand its international network and transform itself into an integrated global aviation group.

The announcement was made at US-Bangla Airlines’ “Beyond with Boeing” event in the capital.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, PM’s Foreign Affairs and Civil Aviation Adviser Humayun Kabir, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen, Boeing Vice President of Sales Paul Righi, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq, senior government officials, diplomats and aviation stakeholders attended the event.

Addressing the event, State Minister Millat said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is working in a coordinated manner to transform Bangladesh into a regional aviation hub.

“To build a prosperous future for our aviation sector, we are formulating an ‘Aviation Master Plan’ and are going to establish a pilot training academy in Bogura,” he said.

Millat said the country’s aviation capacity would receive another major boost with the opening of the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA).

“Once the Third Terminal becomes operational, we will be able to handle 24 million passengers annually,” he said.

The state minister termed US-Bangla’s decision to add 21 Boeing aircraft to its fleet an important step towards meeting the country’s growing air travel demand.

“At the same time, Biman Bangladesh Airlines is also set to add 14 new Boeing aircraft to its fleet, which will further accelerate the growth of our aviation sector,” he said.

Millat said the partnership with Boeing also reflected international partners’ growing confidence in Bangladesh’s aviation market.

“Today’s partnership with Boeing reflects the deep confidence and trust that our international partners have in Bangladesh. It will also further strengthen the friendship and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States,” he added.

Boeing Vice President of Sales Paul Righi described US-Bangla’s planned induction of Boeing aircraft as a significant milestone in the airline’s next phase of growth.

“Today marks a significant milestone for US-Bangla Airlines as it embarks on its next phase of growth through the planned induction of modern, fuel-efficient Boeing aircraft,” he said.

Righi said the decision reflected the airline’s confidence in the future of Bangladesh’s aviation industry and its commitment to expanding connectivity while enhancing passengers’ travel experience.

As US-Bangla continues to expand its network across South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, he said, the Boeing aircraft would support its ambitions through greater fuel efficiency, proven operational reliability and an enhanced passenger experience.

“On behalf of Boeing, I would like to congratulate US-Bangla Airlines on this milestone. We are honoured that Boeing airplanes will be part of your journey, and we appreciate the trust placed both in our company and in our products,” Righi said.

He said Boeing looked forward to building on its relationship with US-Bangla and supporting the airline’s continued growth and success.

US-Bangla Group Managing Director Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun said the investment represents much more than an expansion of the airline’s fleet.

“This investment represents much more than fleet expansion. It reflects our long-term vision to transform US-Bangla from an airline into a fully integrated global aviation group,” he said.

Mamun said the airline would invest not only in aircraft but also in training, technology, maintenance, cargo, catering and aviation infrastructure to support the sustainable growth of Bangladesh’s aviation sector.

He said Bangladesh’s international air travel market generates an estimated US$5.8 billion annually, but foreign airlines currently carry the majority of international passengers, resulting in a substantial outflow of foreign currency.

The fleet expansion is expected to help increase the market share of Bangladeshi carriers on international routes and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in the global aviation market, he said.

Following induction of the new aircraft, US-Bangla plans to increase frequencies on its existing international routes across South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia and the Middle East.

The carrier also plans to launch flights to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Colombo, Kathmandu, Kunming, Shenzhen, Beijing, Johor Bahru and Penang as well as destinations in South Korea and Japan.

It is also eyeing Kuwait, Bahrain, Madinah, Dammam and Salalah as part of its Middle East expansion, subject to regulatory and bilateral approvals.

Under its longer-term network strategy, US-Bangla plans to develop Chattogram and Sylhet as regional international hubs, providing greater direct overseas connectivity and reducing dependence on Dhaka.

Beyond passenger operations, the airline plans to establish an aviation training academy, develop aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, launch a dedicated air cargo airline and build a modern flight catering facility to serve domestic and international carriers.

Mamun said it has already sponsored dozens of Bangladeshi cadet pilots for overseas training and plans to further expand investment in pilot and aircraft engineering education to meet the industry’s growing demand for skilled professionals.

The airline also called for supportive aviation policies, competitive airport charges, improved infrastructure, modern bilateral air service agreements and investment-friendly regulations to unlock Bangladesh’s aviation potential.

“Aviation is not simply a mode of transportation. It is a strategic economic asset that drives tourism, trade, investment, employment, technology and international connectivity,” Mamun said.

He said Bangladesh has the potential to emerge as one of South Asia’s leading aviation markets over the next two decades.

Founded in 2014, US-Bangla Airlines is currently the country’s largest private carrier, operating domestic and international passenger services with a long-term vision of building a globally competitive aviation group encompassing passenger transport, cargo, maintenance, training and aviation support services.​