Biman Bangladesh Airlines Eyes 14 Boeing Jets as US Trade Deal Nears Signing
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Biman Bangladesh Airlines is advancing a potential 14-aircraft Boeing order, including 787 and 737 MAX jets, amid a new US-Bangladesh reciprocal tariff agreement.
Key Takeaways
- •Biman Bangladesh Airlines is finalizing a purchase of 14 Boeing aircraft, including eight 787-10s, two 787-9s, and four 737 MAX 8s.
- •The $3.7 billion (Tk 30,000-35,000 crore) aircraft deal is a core part of a US-Bangladesh reciprocal tariff agreement aimed at reducing the trade deficit.
- •The tariff deal is expected to reduce the US reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi exports from 20% and grant zero-duty access to 2,500 products, including pharmaceuticals.
- •The first aircraft delivery is tentatively scheduled for October 2031, with final payments potentially extending over 20 years.
Bangladesh and the United States are set to sign a reciprocal tariff agreement tonight in Washington. The deal aims to reduce tariffs on Bangladeshi exports to the US market. This trade negotiation is directly linked to a major commercial aviation procurement. The government of Bangladesh is concurrently moving to finalize a deal with Boeing for 14 new aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
The Commercial Aviation Component
The potential Biman Boeing aircraft order is a key part of efforts to narrow the significant US-Bangladesh trade gap. Bangladesh exports roughly $8 billion in goods to the US annually. US exports to Bangladesh are about $2 billion, creating a large imbalance. The purchase of US-made aircraft helps balance this trade relationship.
According to sources, Biman Bangladesh Airlines plans to acquire a diverse fleet mix. The proposed 14 aircraft purchase includes both wide-body and narrow-body jets.
- Eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners
- Two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners
- Four Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft
This decision follows a techno-financial analysis of proposals. Both Boeing and Airbus submitted proposals for the fleet renewal. Biman’s board has approved the Boeing order in principle. However, the deal still awaits final price negotiations. A negotiation team led by Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud is currently engaged with Boeing.
Financial and Delivery Outlook
The aircraft procurement is valued between Tk 30,000 crore and Tk 35,000 crore. This is equivalent to approximately $3.7 billion. The payment period for this substantial investment may extend up to 20 years. Annual payments are estimated to be between Tk 1,500 crore and Tk 2,000 crore.
Delivery of the new aircraft is scheduled to be phased over several years. The first aircraft delivery is tentatively expected in October 2031. The remaining aircraft are expected to be delivered by November 2035. This long-term schedule highlights the strategic nature of the 787-10 Dreamliner acquisition for Biman’s future.
Trade Deal and Economic Impact
The reciprocal tariff agreement is a crucial diplomatic effort. It is intended to secure continued market access for Bangladeshi goods. The current reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi exports is 20%. This is in addition to a pre-existing 15% duty.
Under the new agreement, the tariff rate on Bangladeshi products may fall to 18 percent. Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman confirmed the US agreed to offer zero duty or reduced duty on about 2,500 Bangladeshi products.
- Pharmaceutical products will enjoy zero-duty access to the US market.
- Other zero-duty items include fish and paperboard.
- Garments made using US-imported cotton will also receive zero-duty access.
Bangladesh has also pledged to increase imports of other US goods. These imports include cotton, soybeans, and liquefied petroleum gas. An agreement to import 3.5 million tonnes of wheat over five years has already been signed.
The commitment to the 14 Boeing aircraft order is a significant part of this trade-balancing strategy. It ensures the continuity of Bangladeshi exports to the US market. The final signing of the trade agreement is scheduled for 10pm tonight (Bangladesh time) in Washington. Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin and the commerce secretary will join the hybrid event online. The agreement will bear the signature of the US Trade Representative (USTR).
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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