Biman Bangladesh Airlines has decided in principle to purchase 14 aircraft from Boeing — to expand its fleet and modernise the national flag carrier.

The decision was taken at Biman’s annual general meeting held on Tuesday, Boshra Islam, general manager (public relations) of Biman, told today.

Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin, who is also chairman of Biman’s Board of Directors, chaired the meeting.

Biman’s decision ruled out Boeing’s rival Airbus’s proposal to sell aircraft to the national airline. During the meeting, the board of directors principally approved the purchase of 14 Boeing aircraft, subject to price negotiations and other terms in line with recommendations of Biman’s techno-finance committee, Boshra Islam said.

Biman will buy eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft.

The interim government had earlier pledged to purchase 25 aircraft from Boeing as part of efforts to reduce the trade deficit with the United States. Following further evaluation and scrutiny, Biman finalised the decision.

Board members said the move was taken considering the need to enhance the country’s aviation capacity, strengthen international connectivity, and meet future passenger and cargo demand. Once the aircraft are inducted into the fleet, opportunities will be created to expand operations in both state and commercial sectors, according to sources at the meeting.

After completing required approvals and financial procedures, the final contract will be signed with Boeing, followed by phased delivery of the aircraft, the source added.

Airbus has long been urging Biman to buy its aircraft, arguing that adding Airbus models alongside the existing fleet would make the national carrier more flexible, resilient, and competitive. Envoys from France, Germany and the United Kingdom, together with senior Airbus officials, had said at a rare press conference in November last year that Europe is willing to support Bangladesh’s growing role as a key aviation player and that Biman needs modern, environmentally friendly aircraft, which Airbus is well-positioned to provide.