Aviation minister urges faster Boeing aircraft delivery

Bangladesh has urged Boeing to expedite delivery of the 14 aircraft ordered for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, stressing that faster delivery is crucial to strengthening the national flag carrier.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat made the call during a courtesy meeting with US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen at his office at Secretariat today (16 September).

The minister said the government has taken an initiative to procure new aircraft for Biman with the goal of developing it into a globally recognised legacy carrier.

As part of the initiative, Bangladesh has already signed an agreement to purchase 14 Boeing aircraft, describing the deal as an important example of long-term commercial and strategic cooperation with the US.

"However, it is extremely important to expedite the delivery time of the aircraft manufactured by Boeing," Millat said, according to a press release issued by the civil aviation and tourism ministry.

The minister's request comes as Bangladesh is also working to strengthen air connectivity with the United States, including plans to operate direct commercial flights on the Dhaka-New York (JFK) route next year.

He said the US Federal Aviation Administration's International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Category 1 status is important for operating direct commercial flights to the United States.

Christensen assured Bangladesh of Washington's cooperation in launching flights on the Dhaka-New York route.

He also said US investors are interested in investing in Bangladesh's civil aviation and tourism sectors and expressed support for Bangladesh's efforts to establish itself as a regional aviation hub.

The minister said the government is working on an aviation master plan to improve air connectivity and establish Bangladesh as a regional aviation hub.