Biman plans to lease 10 aircraft by 2027: Millat

Biman Bangladesh Airlines plans to lease up to 10 aircraft by 2027 to expand its international network and bridge a capacity gap before 14 newly ordered Boeing aircraft begin arriving from 2031, reports BSS.
"We plan to lease up to 10 aircraft within this year. This will enable us to increase flight frequencies on various international routes and expand services to new destinations," State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat told BSS on Sunday.
He said the national flag carrier initially plans to lease three aircraft, although the number could increase depending on operational requirements and its route expansion strategy.
The move could expand Biman's existing 19-aircraft fleet to as many as 29 by 2027, marking a 52.6 percent increase and one of the carrier's most significant short-term capacity expansions.
Millat said the government is placing particular emphasis on transparency in the leasing process and has initiated steps to appoint an international consultant to oversee it.
"We want to ensure that the leasing process is conducted with complete transparency. To that end, we have initiated the appointment of an international consultant. Around 40 applications have been received, and a qualified firm will be selected from among them to oversee the entire leasing process," he said.
The leasing initiative is separate from Biman's planned procurement of 14 new Boeing aircraft in a deal estimated at around US$3.7 billion. The new aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2031 and 2035.
With newly manufactured aircraft from Boeing and Airbus generally unavailable for near-term delivery, Biman is turning to the international leasing market as an interim solution to meet growing passenger demand, increase frequencies on existing routes and open new destinations.
As part of the initiative, Biman has already invited international proposals to dry lease three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for six years, targeting their induction in early 2027.
According to a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued on July 15, the airline is seeking offers from aircraft owners, manufacturers, airlines, operators and leasing companies for three 787-9s on 72-month dry leases.
Under a dry lease arrangement, Biman would lease the aircraft without crew, maintenance or insurance and operate them with its own personnel under its Air Operator Certificate.
The airline has set August 9 as the deadline for submitting proposals and indicated January 1, 2027, as its preferred delivery date, although aircraft offered for delivery by February 28 may also be considered.