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for the purchase, while the government will provide a sovereign guarantee.

“The new fuel-efficient, technologically advanced aircraft will modernise Biman’s fleet, sharpen operational performance, and extend its international route network -- strengthening Bangladesh’s position in the global aviation market.”

Biman’s board chairman, Rumee A Hossain, said, “The new aircraft will raise daily seat capacity to more than 5,000 and enhance cargo handling capability.”

Paul Righi, vice president of Boeing Company, said Biman has become one of the few carriers worldwide to operate the full family of 787 Dreamliners -- the 787‑8, 787‑9 and 787‑10.

He noted that the 787‑10 will deliver unmatched efficiency and increased capacity on high‑demand routes, including the Middle East, while the 787‑9 will serve long‑haul routes to Europe and North America.

US Ambassador Brent T Christensen said, “We’re proud this purchase is being financed by the Export-Import Bank of the United States, with terms that will reduce the burden on Biman’s cash flows that align with aircraft delivery schedules.”

This marks Biman’s first aircraft purchase agreement in 18 years, aimed at modernising its fleet, boosting long‑haul capacity, opening new international routes and strengthening regional operations.

After becoming a public limited company in 2007, Biman inked a deal with Boeing for 10 new planes in 2008. Two more were later added, bringing the total to 12 aircraft at a cost of around Tk 19,020 crore.

Biman’s current fleet is dominated by Boeing aircraft, with 14 of its 19 planes from Boeing. The remaining five are Dash 8 aircraft manufactured by De Havilland Canada.

The deal to purchase Boeing aircraft was part of the interim government’s strategy to reduce Bangladesh’s trade gap with the US and secure tariff relief.

During negotiations over the 37 percent reciprocal tariff imposed by Washington last year, Dhaka had signalled plans to order 25 Boeing aircraft.

Through negotiations, the rate was cut to 20 percent effective August 1, 2025, and further reduced to 19 percent under a trade agreement signed with the US on February 9, 2026. The civil aviation ministry approved the acquisition during the interim government, with only the formal signing pending.

The deal concludes more than three years of competition between Boeing and European rival Airbus for Biman’s next major fleet order.

A deal with Airbus gained traction in 2023 through high‑level European engagement, including French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit and references in a Bangladesh‑UK joint statement to a possible purchase of 10 Airbus aircraft, including freighters.

Under the previous Awami League government, a policy decision had been announced to buy 10 Airbus planes. But after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in the face of a mass uprising in August 2024 and amid pressure over US tariffs, the interim government shifted in favour of Boeing.

Debate over Boeing versus Airbus surfaced, with European officials arguing that Airbus would diversify Biman’s all‑Boeing fleet, while Boeing mounted a strong push to retain dominance.

Aviation expert Kazi Wahidul Alam said a mixed fleet would not be viable for Biman, which operates only 19 aircraft. “You would need a whole new set of everything, including pilots, crews, engineers and hangars for a mixed fleet, which will increase operational costs.”

He cautioned, however, that relying solely on one manufacturer may undermine competitiveness.

Another expert, ATM Nazrul Islam, said airlines can bargain better if they buy from both companies, but for carriers with small fleets, mixed operations bring disadvantages. “An airline must choose its fleet considering routes and distances.”

Biman has faced a shortage of aircraft in recent years after failing to secure planes through leasing, disrupting service to existing routes and delaying the launch of new services.

Officials said the 14 new aircraft are essential to expand capacity, strengthen international connectivity and meet future passenger and cargo demand.

On April 22, at a civil aviation ministry meeting, Biman outlined plans to operate flights to Yangon, Malé, New York, Kunming, Bahrain, Sydney, Wuhan, Jakarta and Seoul.

Experts noted that aircraft alone are not enough, stressing the need for manpower development, including pilots and cabin crew, as well as proper fleet and route planning. They said Biman has struggled to utilise its existing aircraft due to shortages of pilots and crew and poor management.

Although Bangladesh has air service agreements with about 50 countries, Biman currently flies to 22 international destinations in 14 countries, mostly short‑ and medium‑haul. At its peak, Biman operated flights to 29 destinations, from New York to Tokyo and major European cities.

Despite a large captive market and loyal passengers, Biman’s market share on international routes is only about 25 percent, due to limited aircraft, poor service, mismanagement, weak planning and marketing, and lack of professionals, experts said.

Even so, Biman has posted profits for five consecutive years, recording a net profit of Tk 785 crore in fiscal 2024‑25.