Biman Bangladesh Airlines is planning a major fleet expansion, with a target of increasing its aircraft count to 47 by the 2034-35 fiscal year, primarily through the acquisition of Boeing planes.
The expansion roadmap was discussed in detail at a meeting held today at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism in Secretariat.
The discussion reviewed the integration of Boeing aircraft into the current fleet, as well as initiatives previously undertaken by the former interim government regarding aircraft procurement.
At the meeting, Biman also presented its plan to operate flights on Yangon, Male, and New York routes by 2026; Kunming and Bahrain routes by 2028; and Sydney, Wuhan, Jakarta, and Seoul routes by 2029.
Biman currently operates a fleet of 19 aircraft, 14 of which are Boeings. Under the new plan, the national flag carrier is expected to purchase eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft.
Regarding the purchase of Boeing aircraft, at the meeting, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said Biman should first study how much profit each route earns and only then form a comprehensive plan before adding new planes.
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Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Photo: Biman Bangladesh Airlines
She said it was possible to make Biman Bangladesh Airlines a more profitable and passenger-friendly institution through timely and realistic steps.
State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said work on acquiring Boeing aircraft must continue without interruption.
He stressed the need to keep the supply chain on time and urged all sides to work together so new aircraft can be added during the current government’s tenure.
Additionally, the meeting issued directives to take necessary preparations to resume flight operations on the Dhaka-Narita route.
Biman launched the Dhaka-Narita flight on September 1, 2023, but later suspended it from July 1, 2025.
At that time, Biman cited Hajj flights, aircraft shortages, and business realities as the reasons for stopping the flight.
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Interior of a Boeing 787-1 Dreamliner. Photo: Biman Bangladesh Airlines
Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhtar and Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director Kaizer Sohel Ahmed were present at the meeting.
During the interim government, Biman said it will buy 14 aircraft from US plane-maker Boeing.
The first aircraft from Boeing is scheduled for delivery in November 2031, with the remaining planes expected to arrive by October 2035, said sources in Biman.
Biman has faced aircraft shortage in recent years after failing to manage plane availability through leasing, disrupting existing routes and delaying the launch of new services.
Under the previous Awami League government, a policy decision was announced to buy 10 Airbus aircraft, Boeing’s European rival.
After the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in the 2024 mass uprising, and amid pressure related to US reciprocal tariffs, the interim government shifted in favour of Boeing.
Biman has posted profits for five years in a row. The state-owned carrier recorded a net profit of Tk 785 crore in the fiscal year 2024-25, a rise of 178 percent from the previous year.
