Boeing Wins Biman Aircraft Deal as European Diplomatic Push Falls Short

By Sadik Sagar, Dhaka, 5 January, 2026

Bangladesh has decided in principle to procure 14 aircraft from US aerospace giant Boeing, ending a prolonged and diplomatically charged contest between American and European manufacturers to supply the national flag carrier. The decision, taken at the annual general meeting of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, marks a significant development in the country’s aviation strategy and reflects broader economic and trade considerations shaping major public procurement choices.

According to state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) and confirmed by Biman officials, the approved order comprises eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, and four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. The deal remains subject to price negotiations, financing arrangements, and approval by Biman’s techno-finance committee, after which a final contract will be signed and aircraft deliveries phased in.

Aviation and trade experts note that the decision is closely linked to Bangladesh’s efforts to manage its trade imbalance with the United States. Aircraft purchases, typically financed over long periods through export credit agencies and commercial lenders, are often used as instruments to balance bilateral trade flows. Last year, Bangladesh announced plans to buy up to 25 Boeing aircraft after former US president Donald Trump announced a 35 percent tariff on Bangladeshi goods, raising concerns about potential job losses in the country’s export-oriented readymade garment sector.

In parallel, Dhaka has increased imports of US wheat, soybean oil, and cotton as part of a broader strategy to narrow the trade gap with Washington. The approval of 14 Boeing aircraft is seen as reinforcing that policy direction under the interim government.

Europe, however, mounted a rare and coordinated diplomatic push to secure Airbus’s inclusion in Biman’s fleet. On November 4, 2025, envoys from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the European Union jointly lobbied Bangladeshi authorities, arguing that adding Airbus aircraft would enhance fleet flexibility, resilience, and competitiveness. They highlighted the EU’s position as Bangladesh’s largest export market and urged a fair and transparent evaluation of European offers alongside US bids.

Despite these overtures, the Airbus proposal did not secure approval at this stage. Officials said the decision does not carry immediate economic consequences for Bangladesh, as trade preferences and duty-free access to EU markets are governed by established regulatory frameworks rather than individual procurement choices.

Nevertheless, analysts point to potential opportunity costs. By opting for a single supplier, Bangladesh foregoes fleet diversification, alternative financing structures, and deeper integration with European aviation supply chains.

From an operational perspective, the fleet expansion is expected to support growing passenger and cargo demand, enhance long-haul connectivity, and improve fuel efficiency. Boeing’s Dreamliners offer lower operating costs and extended range, potentially strengthening Biman’s competitiveness on routes to Europe, East Asia, and North America.

Overall, the Boeing decision reflects immediate commercial and trade priorities rather than a strategic shift away from Europe. While Europe’s diplomatic effort fell short, EU–Bangladesh economic ties remain substantial, with long-term outcomes likely to depend on how effectively Bangladesh balances procurement transparency, aviation expansion, and relations with its major trading partners.