Bangladesh shows interest in leasing aircraft from Boeing

The government has expressed interest in leasing aircraft from Boeing as part of its ongoing efforts to expand and strengthen the state-owned Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

The interest was formally conveyed when Boeing Vice President Paul Righi met Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam and State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat on Monday at the Secretariat, officials said.

During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on various aspects of a potential agreement between Boeing and Bangladesh’s government.

Officials from Bangladesh highlighted the country’s growing demand for air travel and the need to enhance fleet capacity, expressing keen interest in leasing aircraft from Boeing to address immediate requirements.

Paul Righi, in turn, emphasized Boeing’s willingness to lease its narrow-body aircraft, particularly the B-737 series, to Bangladesh.

Minister Afroza Khanam stressed the importance of expediting the leasing process to meet urgent operational needs.

As part of a broader fleet modernisation strategy, the government is also moving forward with plans to finalize the purchase of 14 Boeing aircraft. The first aircraft is expected to be delivered in October 2031, with the remaining jets scheduled for delivery by November 2035.

To bridge the potential five-year gap in aircraft deliveries, the government is considering interim leasing arrangements with Boeing to ensure continuity and growth in airline operations.