Biman CEO Shafiqur Rahman attended a workshop on the Right to Information Act, organized by Biman at its head office today. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, June 26, 2025 (BSS)- Biman Bangladesh Airlines is set to lease at least two aircraft in the coming months to address an acute shortage of planes to meet growing passenger demand.

Biman will take lease of the aircraft as global manufacturers are unable to deliver new aircraft before 2031, Biman’s Managing Director and CEO Shafiqur Rahman said.

“We will take lease at least two aircraft as global plane manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing will not be able to deliver new aircraft before 2031,” he said.

Biman MD said this responding to a question in a workshop on the Right to Information Act, organized by Biman at its head office today.

“Both Boeing and Airbus have submitted proposals to sell new aircraft to Biman. Our techno-financial committee is currently evaluating their offers. However, they will not be able to deliver any new aircraft before 2031,” he added.

Rahman said, “We need aircraft to meet our current passenger demand. That’s why we have decided to connect directly with aircraft lessors,” he noted.

The Biman CEO also said that the airline is unable to open new routes due to the shortage of aircraft.

He informed that Biman’s high-level aircraft procurement committee is examining fresh proposals from both Airbus and Boeing to purchase wide-body and narrow-body aircraft.

Rahman said flights on the Dhaka-Narita route will be suspended from July 1 due to financial non-viability.

Biman MD highlighted several upcoming initiatives, including ground handling operations at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, launching international flights from Cox’s Bazar Airport, and taking measures to curb mismanagement and corruption within the national flag carrier.