PM's Adviser explains rationale behind Boeing aircraft purchase

Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman has explained the rationale behind the decision to purchase 14 aircraft from US manufacturer Boeing, amid discussions and criticism over the deal.

He said that since Biman Bangladesh Airlines has operated Boeing aircraft for a long time, the necessary manpower, technical expertise and support infrastructure for such aircraft are already in place, which explains Biman's somewhat greater inclination towards Boeing.

The adviser made the remarks while responding to a question at the weekly press briefing on the progress of various government activities at the Secretariat on Tuesday, September 8.

"Since we have been operating Boeing for a long time, the entire supporting staff for Boeing is largely ready and trained; that is why we have a tendency to choose Boeing somewhat more," Zahed Ur Rahman said.

On April 30, Biman Bangladesh Airlines signed an agreement with Boeing to purchase 14 aircraft. The deal is valued at $3.7 billion (approximately Tk 45,408 crore), involving eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, two 787-9 Dreamliners and four 737-8 MAX jets . The aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in phases between 2031 and 2035 .

On August 31, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat had stated that Bangladesh decided to purchase the Boeing aircraft at the request of US President Donald Trump . He also mentioned plans to lease more aircraft and said Airbus aircraft would also be procured.

When asked whether the large-scale Boeing purchase would put pressure on the country's economy, the information adviser said the payment does not have to be made all at once . "If anyone thinks that we have to pay a lot of money immediately or within a very short time, that is not the case at all," he said.

Acknowledging that the government inherited a difficult economy, the adviser said the state cannot completely stop essential activities during a crisis . He expressed confidence that the economic crisis would be overcome without taking too long, and the purchase would not create significant economic pressure.

Regarding Airbus, the adviser said Bangladesh would also purchase aircraft from Airbus as needed, and choosing Boeing does not mean Airbus is being excluded. "The European Union, whose companies manufacture Airbus aircraft, is continuing discussions with the government," he said. "There is no question of leaving one out and bringing the other forward".