Bangladesh has announced an order for 25 widebody aircraft from Boeing for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, according to a senior official at the country’s commerce ministry. The deal comes as part of a trade agreement with the United States, with the first aircraft expected to be received in 2029. This order is in response to a previous trade deal aimed at reducing punitive tariffs imposed during the Trump administration.
While the order has yet to be formally confirmed by Boeing or the airline, the official indicated that Dhaka is also evaluating offers from Airbus, including proposals for Airbus A350s and A320neos. Biman currently operates a fleet of 19 aircraft, primarily consisting of Boeing models, and has no current Airbus aircraft. The airline is considering leasing options before making any large purchases, given long lead times for aircraft acquisition.
Procurement and Market Context
The potential Boeing order follows Bangladesh’s efforts to diversify and expand its aviation sector, highlighted by European diplomats' encouragement for transparent procurement processes. The country has historically operated mostly Boeing aircraft, including B737-800s, B777-300ERs, B787-8s, and B787-9s, alongside five DHC-8-Q400s. The decision is also influenced by ongoing negotiations and assessments involving Airbus and Boeing, with a focus on long-term fleet planning.
Diplomatic efforts in Dhaka aimed to foster fair competition and persuade Bangladesh to consider Airbus options. European Union representatives and diplomats from France, Germany, and the UK emphasized Bangladesh’s aviation potential and advocated for increased European participation. The official stated that a formal decision has not yet been made, and the airline continues to review proposals from both manufacturers.
This aviation expansion aligns with Bangladesh’s broader economic and trade strategies, and the airline maintains a goal to modernize its fleet while managing long lead times through leasing arrangements.
