‍DHAKA — The board of Bangladeshi flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG) has greenlit an order for 14 Boeing jets. No word on when the deal would be finalized.

The proposed deal comprises two Boeing 787-9s, eight 787-10 Dreamliners, and four 737 MAX 8s. This will double the airline’s current Boeing fleet. According to tbsnews.net, formal negotiations on the deal terms between the carrier and Boeing will now begin following the board’s decision.

The Dhaka-based airline’s current fleet comprises 14 Boeing and 5 De Havilland Canada aircraft: 4 737-800s, 4 777-300ERs, 4 787-8s, 2 787-9s, and 5 DHC-8-400s.

Airbus Snubbed

For years, it had been rumored, even publicly acknowledged, that Airbus was considered a prime candidate for the airline’s widebody fleet expansion.

The Bangladeshi government, through several leaders, had been in talks to procure 10 Airbus A350s, including 2 A350Fs. A deal was announced during French President Emmanuel Macron's 2023 state visit; however, it has not been officially signed, and its status remains unclear.

Today’s order also comes after the airline announced an order for up to 25 Boeing aircraft in July in response to U.S. export tariffs on Bangladesh. That commitment builds on a prior commitment for 14, which was likely the order announced today.

Details for Biman’s recent orders have been relatively vague, with each announcement likely responding to immediate geopolitical pressures and events as Bangladesh navigates an ever-changing aviation industry and global political landscape