FLEET - Bangladesh ups planned Boeing orders to reduce US deficit

The government of Bangladesh is ready to commit to an order of 25 aircraft from Boeing, almost double what was previously planned, to reduce its trade surplus vis-á-vis the United States and convince President Donald Trump to lower the proposed tariffs, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman told the media.

"We have made commitments that are maintainable for us. The Boeing purchase is part of that," Rahman said. He added that the previous plans accounted for 14 aircraft, but the government is prepared to up its order to "get a better deal" from the US.

He acknowledged that the completion of the deliveries would likely take years, although the first ones would be expected within a year or two of firming the order.

Rahman did not provide further details regarding the types or operators of the aircraft.

The state-owned flag carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG, Dhaka), currently operates five B737-800s, four B777-300ERs, four B787-8s, two B787-9s, and five DHC-8-Q400s. While it has no firm orders from any manufacturer, the carrier was okayed by the government to order four A350-900s in 2024. That deal has yet to be firmed. The airline has also outlined ambitious growth plans with 32 aircraft added by 2035, but, likewise, details have never been revealed.

Other Boeing operators in Bangladesh include US-Bangla Airlines and SkyAir.

Rahman and the Bangladeshi trade delegation are due to meet US representatives in Washington between July 29 and 31. Trump initially proposed imposing a 35% tariff on all goods from the country, effective August 1.

CH Aviation