Biman plans to get new Boeing jets as lease period of 2 aircrafts end

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is looking to lease two new Boeing 737-800 aircraft as the lease period of its two Boeing planes has ended.

"The lease period of two of our medium capacity Boeing aircraft has ended. Those need to be returned. That is why we have already published advertisements for new aircraft leases," Boshra Islam, general manager (PR) of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, told The Business Standard today (15 October).

"With the Hajj season coming up, we are leasing new aircraft to maintain our capacity," she added.

Biman has issued a request for proposals (RfP) to dry lease two B737-800s for 72 months from early 2025.

The documents, seen by The Business Standard, indicates the state-owned carrier is looking for dual-cabin CFM International CFM56-7B-powered aircraft with winglets that are no older than 15 years and can be delivered in Biman livery, reports Ch-aviation on 15 October.

The RfP states the airline would like the first aircraft delivered by 1 February 2025, and the second by 1 April 2025.

Biman would prefer both aircraft came from the same lessor but says they will consider offers to provide one aircraft if that aircraft is suitable, adds the proposal.

Biman was on a deal with both aviation giant Boeing and Airbus to purchase new aircraft.

The negotiation on purchasing 10 aircraft from Airbus was on the table with Airbus, but the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government has changed the whole atmosphere.

Now, the process has become stagnant as per the Biman sources.

Biman currently has 21 aircraft, mainly Boeing-dominated.