Bangladesh to buy 11 more Boeing jets as it seeks closer US trade ties

Bangladesh is set to acquire an additional 11 Boeing aircraft, expanding the already announced order of 25 jets for national carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines, according to officials. The deal is expected to be finalized during a signing ceremony in New York on Wednesday. This move is part of Bangladesh's strategy to strengthen trade relations with the United States, address a $6 billion trade deficit, and mitigate risks from potential tariff hikes that could impact its export-heavy economy, especially the garment sector.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent Christensen, affirmed the Boeing purchase on social media, describing it as a mutually beneficial development for US-Bangladesh ties. Biman is modernizing its fleet to increase capacity and connectivity. The latest order follows a $3.7 billion agreement in April for 14 Boeing aircraft, comprising 10 Dreamliners and four 737 MAX 8 jets, with deliveries slated between 2031 and 2035.

Airbus is still a contender, as a government-appointed technical committee is evaluating a proposal to purchase 10 aircraft. The terms of the additional Boeing order will be announced following the signing event.