Key takeawyas: 

Boeing offer: 14 aircraft (10 B787 + 4 B737 MAX confirmed)

Airbus offer: 14 aircraft (10 A350-900 + 4 A320neo)

Current Biman fleet: 19 aircraft (14 Boeing)

EU trade with Bangladesh: EUR 22.2 billion (Tk 3 lakh 12 thousand 953 crore 40 lakh)

Biman debt to CAAB: Tk 6,068.54 crore

Market share: Bangladeshi airlines hold only 25%

Airbus proposal value: approx USD 350 crore (Tk 42,000 crore)

Boeing delivery timeline: starts 2029

Previous Airbus commitment: 10 aircraft under last government

Bangladesh finds itself at centre of intense aerospace rivalry as commitments to buy 25 Boeing planes clatter with European push for 14 Airbus aircraft, creating complex procurement dilemma.

Government announced Boeing commitment in August during tariff negotiations with Washington. Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman confirmed purchase of 25 aircraft as part of broader trade framework, with first delivery expected in 2029. Boeing's proposal includes 10 B787 wide-body and four B737 MAX narrow-body aircraft, though total breakdown of 25-plane order remains undisclosed.

Airbus countered with offer of 14 aircraft: 10 A350 wide-body and four A320neo narrow-body planes. European aerospace giant intensified campaign following Boeing announcement, sending Executive Vice President Wouter van Wersch to Dhaka for meetings with Civil Aviation Ministry and Biman Bangladesh Airlines management.

Four European ambassadors publicly backed Airbus on 4 November. France, Germany, United Kingdom and EU envoys collectively recommended diversifying Biman's Boeing-heavy fleet, arguing move would strengthen operational capacity.

EU Ambassador Michael Miller emphasised bilateral trade reached EUR 22.2 billion (Tk 3 lakh 12 thousand 953 crore 40 lakh) in 2024, with Europe running EUR 17.5 billion (Tk 2 lakh 46 thousand 697 crore 50 lakh) trade deficit. Statement underscored European expectation of 'level playing field' for companies competing in Bangladesh.

Boeing's 25-aircraft commitment represents significantly larger order than Airbus's 14-plane proposal. However, financial details of Boeing deal remain undisclosed by government officials.

Airbus catalogue prices show substantial investment required. Aviation portal Simple Flying listed A350-900 at USD 31.74 crore (Tk TK 3,865 crore 1 lakh 15 thousand 400) and A350-1000 at USD 36.65 crore (TK 4,462 crore 90 lakh 71 thousand 500). A320neo carries USD 11 crore 06 lakh (Tk 1,346 crore 79 lakh) price tag.

Total Airbus proposal could cost approximately USD 350 crore (Tk 42,619 crore 85 lakh) at catalogue prices, though airlines typically negotiate significant discounts.

Biman currently operates 19 aircraft, with 14 manufactured by Boeing and remaining five from other manufacturers. Adding 25 Boeing planes would cement complete American dominance of national carrier's fleet, while 14 Airbus aircraft would introduce European alternative.

Aviation specialists caution against treating aircraft procurement as diplomatic transaction rather than commercial decision.

Retired Wing Commander ATM Nazrul Islam warned: "I said during US trade talks that if aircraft purchases become tied to agreements, Airbus will exert same pressure. Decision must not be taken under political influence. It should be entirely commercial, based on solid calculations."

Former Biman board member Kazi Wahidul Alam questioned readiness for fleet expansion. "Europe is Bangladesh's largest export market and diplomatic relations matter. But merely acquiring aircraft is not enough. If Biman cannot use them effectively, losses will increase," he said.

Alam stressed that buying 25 or 14 new aircraft would not automatically improve airline performance without addressing operational weaknesses first.

Airbus's 14-aircraft push follows carefully calculated timeline. Executive Vice President Wouter van Wersch met Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus in London during June, expressing interest in long-term partnership.

Discussion over Airbus purchase actually began under previous government. French President Emmanuel Macron publicly thanked Bangladesh in September 2023 after meeting then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who committed to buying 10 Airbus aircraft at that time.

Current 14-plane proposal represents expansion from original 10-aircraft commitment made under previous administration.

Airbus Regional Sales Director Rafael Gomez stated company maintains regular communication with Biman. "In each visit, we present our offer and explain how Bangladesh could benefit from our technology and partnership model," he said.

When questioned about political instability affecting deal, Rafael responded: "Airbus is an apolitical entity. We work with operators and follow procurement process of whichever government is in power."

Biman's financial condition raises serious questions about capacity to absorb either 25 Boeing or 14 Airbus aircraft.

National carrier reported record Tk 937 crore profit last fiscal year but owes Civil Aviation Authority Bangladesh (CAAB) Tk 6,068 crore 54 lakh. CAAB sources reveal Tk 4,794 crore 13 lakh comprises surcharges alone, with principal amount at Tk 745 crore 52 lakh.

Former Biman spokesperson ABM Touhidul Kabir said around 79% of dues are disputed surcharges on old bills. "We're regularly paying current bills. Negotiations are ongoing for old ones, and once agreement is reached, we'll settle in instalments," he explained.

Recent suspension of Dhaka-Narita route due to losses marked third closure of this connection. Officials admit airline failed to conduct proper commercial viability assessment before launching flights.

Biman currently serves 22 international routes but holds only 25 per cent of Bangladesh's rapidly growing global aviation market share.

Introducing 14 Airbus aircraft would require new training programmes, maintenance systems and separate spare parts inventory alongside existing Boeing infrastructure.

Monal Shesh, Airbus Head of Marketing for India and South Asia, argued integration costs remain minimal compared to lifecycle benefits. He noted Bangladesh already has airlines operating A330 aircraft, adding fuel efficiency and reliability offset initial expenses.

However, maintaining two separate fleets could strain Biman's already stretched resources. Sticking with 25 Boeing planes would maintain operational simplicity but eliminate fleet diversification benefits.

ATM Nazrul Islam noted major airlines maintain balanced fleets. "Each aircraft type brings its own advantages. Boeing leads in some areas, Airbus in others," he said.

Interim government faces decision on whether to proceed with 25-Boeing commitment, accept 14-Airbus alternative, or pursue combination approach.

Officials declined comment on procurement timeline or whether evaluation process continues before elected government takes office.

Both orders represent substantial long-term commitments requiring careful financial planning and operational preparation. Choice between 25 Boeing planes and 14 Airbus aircraft will test Bangladesh's ability to balance commercial interests against diplomatic pressures from world's two largest economies.

Experts argue final decision should prioritize Biman's operational capacity, route planning and financial sustainability over geopolitical considerations, regardless of whether government chooses American or European aircraft.