DHAKA, April 30 - Bangladesh is preparing to sign a contract to buy 14 aircraft from U.S. planemaker Boeing, according to officials. The purchase, expected to be formalised on Thursday evening in Dhaka, will deliver a combination of narrow-body and wide-body jets to Biman Bangladesh Airlines as the carrier pursues fleet modernisation and capacity growth to meet increasing demand.
The value of the transaction was not revealed by officials, who said the planes will be handed over in phases. They also declined to provide additional financial and technical details. Two people briefed on the deal - one from the aviation ministry and another from Biman - spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly.
Representatives of Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside the company’s usual business hours, the officials added.
The agreement brings to a close a prolonged competition between Boeing and Europe’s Airbus for Biman’s next major order. Under the previous government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh had approved plans to buy 10 aircraft from Airbus, though no final contract was signed. Following the fall of her government during the 2024 mass uprising, the interim administration shifted course in favour of Boeing.
Officials said the selection of Boeing reflects more than just the airline’s fleet requirements. They noted the decision also takes into account wider trade considerations, as Bangladesh seeks to ease pressure stemming from an estimated $6 billion trade imbalance with the United States and to avoid potential tariff increases that could affect its export-driven economy, particularly the garment sector.
The planned fleet expansion comes as Bangladesh undertakes broader upgrades to its aviation infrastructure. These improvements include a new terminal at Dhaka airport, projects officials say are intended to accommodate growing passenger volumes generated by a rising middle class and a substantial overseas workforce.
Biman, which was founded 54 years ago, currently operates a fleet of more than 20 aircraft, the majority of which are Boeing models. More than half of its fleet consists of wide-body jets, and the carrier also maintains a number of Dash-8 turboprops.
Context and next steps
The agreement is expected to be signed on Thursday evening in Dhaka, with deliveries to follow in phases. Beyond that, officials have not disclosed timing, financing arrangements or technical specifications, leaving several implementation details open.
Officials quoted
Two unnamed officials - one from the aviation ministry and one from Biman - confirmed the pending signature but were not authorised to speak to the media by name.
Implications
Officials framed the procurement as a combination of operational fleet planning and a strategic response to trade pressures. The move alters the competitive landscape in South Asia between Boeing and Airbus for large national orders, while aligning Biman’s fleet composition with its existing Boeing-heavy inventory.