The government has expressed interest in leasing aircraft from US-based manufacturer Boeing as part of efforts to expand the fleet of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. The national carrier has formally conveyed its interest to Boeing.
Boeing Vice President Paul Riggi met with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat at the Secretariat to discuss the proposal on Monday. During the meeting, Bangladesh officially communicated its interest in leasing aircraft to meet current demand and bolster fleet capacity.
Riggi highlighted Boeing’s readiness to lease narrow-body aircraft, particularly from the Boeing 737 series, while Minister Afroza Khanam emphasized the need to expedite the leasing process.
This move aligns with the government’s broader plan to modernize and expand Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ fleet. Under the plan, Bangladesh is procuring 14 Boeing aircraft, with the first delivery scheduled for October 2031 and the remaining aircraft expected by November 2035.
To mitigate potential delays of up to five years in the delivery schedule, the government is exploring leasing arrangements to ensure fleet expansion proceeds without disruption.
