Govt keen to lease aircraft from Boeing

The Bangladesh government has expressed interest in leasing aircraft from US-based manufacturer Boeing.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism on Monday, April 6, Boeing Vice President Paul Righi paid a courtesy call on Civil Aviation Minister Afroza Khanam at her office in the morning. State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat was also present.

The meeting discussed various aspects of the aircraft purchase agreement with Boeing made during the previous interim government. The aviation minister also expressed interest in leasing aircraft from Boeing to meet the country's current demand. She urged for expediting the leasing process at the earliest possible time.

In response, Boeing Vice President Paul Righi said the company is interested in leasing its narrow-body aircraft, particularly the Boeing 737 series.

Sources said the government is moving towards finalising the purchase of 14 Boeing aircraft as part of a broader plan to modernise and enhance the capacity of Biman Bangladesh Airlines' fleet. Under the plan, the first Boeing aircraft is scheduled for delivery in Bangladesh in October 2031.A