The commerce ministry of Bangladesh has disclosed that it placed an order for 25 aircraft from the US-based Boeing Company. However, the flag carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, claims it is unaware of the Boeing purchase.
The deal regarding the Boeing purchase
Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman confirmed the Boeing purchase plan. Earlier this week, the ministry stated that the major goal of this, along with their trade strategies with the US, is to lower Bangladesh’s trade deficit with the US.
Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman said:
“We’ve placed an order for 25 Boeing aircraft. Vietnam and India have done the same – each ordering 100 aircraft – as part of their ongoing tariff negotiations. Indonesia has also ordered 50.”
“We’ve placed the order but haven’t finalised the purchase,” said Secretary Mahbubur.
“We’ll follow legal procedures. Boeing has been asked about delivery timelines, as demand is high globally.”
He said deliveries could take years.
“Bangladesh urgently needs new aircraft. Some may arrive within a couple of years. Expanding Biman’s fleet was always part of the plan. We’ve already bought 14 Boeings. This order is linked to the tariff talks.”
Response of Biman Bangladesh
When contacted with the flag carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, they responded by stating the airline has no clue of the purchase. Even top officials at Biman claimed they only learnt about the potential purchase through media reports.
“We know nothing of it,” said ABM Rawshan Kabir, general manager of Biman’s Public Relations Department.
“It’s very surprising that Biman’s top officials were not informed about the purchase of 25 Boeing aircraft. Even our techno-financial committee is not aware of it. How is it possible to sign an agreement bypassing Biman?” a top official of Biman told the media.
Biman’s Managing Director and CEO, Shafiqur Rahman, recently told the media that the company has received offers from both Boeing and Airbus.
“Our techno-financial team is working on those proposals, and we will decide on buying the planes that will benefit us,” he said.
At the moment, 75% of the international air market of Bangladesh is dominated by foreign carriers, which, according to the experts, is a reason behind driving the high ticket prices.
On the other hand, the airline previously had safety issues with Boeing as well.
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