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Dhaka: Bangladesh’s national carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, has signed an agreement with United States aviation giant Boeing to purchase 14 aircraft for $3.7 billion, making it the largest commercial contract under the country’s new government. The decision effectively severed ties with European aircraft manufacturer Airbus, with which Bangladesh had been in prolonged negotiations, raising questions about Dhaka’s strategic direction.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ largest-ever jet order has it all mapped out! 🗺️ We’re delighted they’ve selected 14 787 #Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes to boost capacity and efficiency on flights to the Middle East, India and North America. Release: https://t.co/W2ksAJ4WW0 pic.twitter.com/2LDPKJioi4 — Boeing Airplanes (@BoeingAirplanes) April 30, 2026

Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ largest-ever jet order has it all mapped out! 🗺️

We’re delighted they’ve selected 14 787 #Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes to boost capacity and efficiency on flights to the Middle East, India and North America.

Release: https://t.co/W2ksAJ4WW0 pic.twitter.com/2LDPKJioi4

— Boeing Airplanes (@BoeingAirplanes) April 30, 2026

Biman turned to Boeing after Bangladesh signed a controversial trade agreement with the US under the Mohammad Yunus-led interim government, necessitating the procurement of an American aircraft.

The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) was signed in Washington DC on February 9, just three days before Bangladesh held national elections and a week before the newly elected government assumed office. Biman moved quickly thereafter, finalising the aircraft purchase within two and a half months of the new government taking power. 

Valued at approximately $3.7 billion at list prices, equivalent to more than Tk 45,000 crore at the current exchange rate, the deal is the largest commercial agreement is Biman’s history. It was signed hurriedly on April 29, even as political leaders and civil society groups were calling for a review the trade deal, arguing that it works against Bangladesh’s national interest and could severely limit the country’s sovereign decision-making in trade matters.

Biman had previously signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus in 2023 to acquire ten wide-body aircraft during the tenure of the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Under the new deal, the carrier will receive two 787-9 aircraft, eight 787-10s and four 737-8s, with deliveries scheduled between October 2031 and November 2035.

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The loss-making carrier has entered into the largest financial commitment in its history at a time when the government is under considerable financial........

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