The government has expressed interest in leasing aircraft from Boeing as part of efforts to expand and modernise the state-owned Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
The interest was formally conveyed during a meeting between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam and Boeing Vice President Paul Righi at the secretariat on Monday. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat was also present at the meeting.
Both sides discussed various aspects of a potential agreement between Boeing and the government, officials said.
The Bangladesh side highlighted the country's growing demand for air travel and stressed the need to enhance fleet capacity, expressing keen interest in leasing aircraft to meet immediate requirements.
Paul Righi, in turn, emphasised Boeing's willingness to lease its narrow-body aircraft, particularly the B-737 series, to Bangladesh.
Minister Afroza Khanam underscored the urgency of expediting the leasing process to address operational needs.
As part of a broader fleet modernisation strategy, the government is also moving ahead with plans to purchase 14 Boeing aircraft. The first aircraft is expected to be delivered in October 2031, with the remaining deliveries scheduled through November 2035.
To bridge the potential five-year gap before new aircraft deliveries begin, the government is considering interim leasing arrangements with Boeing to ensure continuity and support the airline's growth.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com