Govt plans to expand Biman fleet, Boeing deal under review
Interim approval in place, review likely before final deal.
The government is moving to expand the fleet of Biman Bangladesh Airlines by adding new Boeing aircraft during its tenure, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said today (22 April).
He made the remarks at a meeting at the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry at the Bangladesh Secretariat, where officials reviewed a plan to increase the airline's fleet to 47 aircraft by the fiscal year 2034-35.
Millat said the process to procure Boeing aircraft will continue, with necessary steps already underway, according to a ministry press release. He said efforts are being made to add new aircraft to Biman's fleet.
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The state minister told BSS on 4 April that the interim government had in principle approved the acquisition of 14 Boeing aircraft, with only the formal signing of the deal remaining.
However, he said the current government may review the Boeing offer before signing the purchase agreement.
Aviation sector insiders said the proposed order, valued at about $3.7 billion at list prices, includes Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX aircraft to support long-haul and regional operations.
As deliveries may take up to five years, the government is planning to lease aircraft to address immediate shortages.
"To ensure smooth operations during this period, we are planning to lease aircraft, preferably through dry leasing, for the next five years," Millat said.
Biman currently operates around 19 aircraft on international routes, below the estimated requirement of 30 to 35 aircraft to meet growing passenger demand and support planned expansion.
At the meeting, Millat also directed authorities to take necessary preparations to resume flights on the Dhaka-Narita route.
Presiding over the meeting, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroz Khanam said aircraft acquisition decisions must be based on route-based revenue and cost analysis to ensure financial sustainability.
"With timely and realistic measures, Biman Bangladesh Airlines can be transformed into a more profitable and passenger-friendly airline," she said.
The meeting also reviewed initiatives taken during the interim government regarding fleet expansion and assessed their current status.
Senior officials, including Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhtar and the managing director of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, were present.
