The board of Biman Bangladesh Airlines has approved a plan to acquire 14 new aircraft from U.S. aerospace manufacturer Boeing, ending months of competition with European rival Airbus. The decision was taken at the airline’s annual general meeting and reflects a strategic push to expand capacity, modernize operations, and meet rising passenger and cargo demand.
Under the approved plan, the order will comprise eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, and four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. The combination of widebody and narrowbody jets is intended to strengthen both long-haul international services and short-to-medium-haul regional routes from Dhaka, Bangladesh’s primary aviation hub.
Finalization of the deal remains subject to successful price negotiations and the fulfillment of financial and technical requirements set by Biman’s techno-finance committee. Officials said discussions with Boeing on pricing, delivery timelines, and contractual terms are expected to begin shortly, with deliveries planned in phases over the coming years.
Board members cited fuel efficiency, advanced technology, and lower operating costs as key factors behind the selection. They added that the aircraft types align with the airline’s long-term growth roadmap and would support operational expansion while addressing future demand.
The decision also effectively sidelines Airbus, which had actively campaigned for the order with what it described as flexible and competitive proposals. European diplomats from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom had publicly supported Airbus’s bid, highlighting environmental performance and operational advantages. Despite these efforts, Biman opted for Boeing following detailed evaluations by its technical committees and broader strategic considerations.
Airbus representatives had argued that a mixed fleet could enhance flexibility and resilience. However, Biman’s leadership favored a single original equipment manufacturer approach, noting that it would simplify pilot training, maintenance, and logistics while reducing long-term costs.
Once the contract is signed, the new aircraft are expected to play a central role in expanding Biman’s international footprint and improving connectivity to key global destinations. Enhanced cargo capacity is also anticipated, supporting Bangladesh’s growing trade flows.
With global air travel continuing to recover, airline officials believe a modernized fleet will help Biman compete more effectively in South and Southeast Asia, attract new traffic, and improve service quality. The introduction of additional Boeing aircraft may also open the door to deeper partnerships and codeshare arrangements with other carriers.
The approval of the Boeing order marks a significant milestone in Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ modernization drive, setting a clearer direction for its fleet strategy and long-term growth ambitions.