en.Wedoany.com Reported - Biman Bangladesh Airlines plans to lease up to 10 aircraft by 2027 to expand its international route network and fill capacity gaps before 14 newly ordered Boeing aircraft begin delivery in 2031.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat stated that the airline initially plans to lease three aircraft, with the number potentially increasing based on operational needs and route expansion strategies. This move will expand Biman's current fleet of 19 aircraft to up to 29 by 2027, a 52.6% increase, making it one of the airline's most significant short-term capacity expansions. Millat emphasized the government's focus on transparency in the leasing process, having initiated the hiring of an international consultant to oversee the process. Approximately 40 applications have been received, from which one qualified company will be selected.
This leasing plan is separate from Biman's deal to purchase 14 new Boeing aircraft, valued at approximately $3.7 billion. The new aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2031 and 2035. Due to recent delivery difficulties for new aircraft from Boeing and Airbus, Biman is turning to the international leasing market as a temporary solution. As part of the plan, Biman has invited international proposals to dry lease three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for a six-year term, targeting entry into service in early 2027. Under the dry lease arrangement, Biman leases the aircraft without crew, maintenance, or insurance, and will operate them using its own personnel under its air carrier certificate.
According to a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued on July 15, Biman is seeking 72-month dry lease quotes for three 787-9s. The proposal submission deadline is August 9, with a preferred delivery date of January 1, 2027, and aircraft delivered before February 28 may also be considered. Biman expects each leased aircraft to fly approximately 4,000 hours per year, stipulating that aircraft must be no older than 15 years as of June 30, 2027, equipped with GEnx-1B74/75 engines, featuring a two-class configuration with over 300 seats.
Biman currently operates 19 aircraft, including four Boeing 777-300ERs, four Boeing 787-8s, two Boeing 787-9s, four Boeing 737s, and five Dash 8-400s. In addition to the Boeing purchase, the government is also exploring the procurement of Airbus aircraft as part of a long-term strategy to develop a sustainable mixed fleet. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam previously stated that the government intends to purchase aircraft from both manufacturers. The Airbus topic also emerged in recent meetings between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister Millat, and senior European diplomats. The government expressed interest in incorporating Airbus aircraft into Biman's long-term fleet expansion plans, with European representatives indicating a willingness to expand cooperation.
Biman's expansion comes during a period of rapid capacity growth in Bangladesh's aviation industry. US-Bangla Airlines plans to add 21 leased Boeing 737-8 aircraft in 2027, with the expansion plan valued at approximately $1.11 billion; Air Astra and Novoair are also advancing fleet expansion and new international routes. Aviation analyst ATM Nazrul Islam noted that securing suitable aircraft at competitive lease rates is crucial for Biman amid competition between domestic and foreign airlines for a share of Bangladesh's growing international passenger market. Adding up to 10 leased aircraft could provide Biman with much-needed near-term capacity to strengthen existing services and launch new routes while awaiting delivery of next-generation aircraft.
