This article summarizes reporting by bdnews24.com.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines Pivots to Boeing with 14-Jet Order, Citing Strategic and Economic Pressures

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has officially approved the acquisition of 14 new aircraft from U.S. manufacturer Boeing, marking a significant reversal of previous fleet modernization plans that favored European rival Airbus. According to reporting by bdnews24.com, the decision was finalized during a board meeting on December 30, 2025, and made public on January 1, 2026.

The move represents a major shift in Bangladesh’s aviation strategy, effectively scrapping a 2023 commitment to purchase 10 Airbus A350s. While airline officials have cited operational benefits such as fleet commonality, reports indicate that the decision is heavily influenced by geopolitical factors, specifically, the need to mitigate severe trade tariffs imposed by the United States in mid-2025.

This procurement plan, which includes a mix of wide-body Dreamliners and narrow-body MAX jets, aims to standardize the national carrier’s fleet while addressing urgent economic diplomacy needs. As detailed by bdnews24.com, the proposal has been approved in principle and now moves to a negotiation committee to finalize pricing.

Breakdown of the Boeing Order

The approved acquisition plan details a specific mix of aircraft designed to bolster Biman’s long-haul and regional capabilities. According to the board’s decision, the 14 aircraft include:

• 8 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners (High-capacity, wide-body)
• 2 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners (Long-range, wide-body)
• 4 Boeing 737-8 (MAX) (Narrow-body)

This selection aligns seamlessly with Biman’s existing infrastructure. The airline currently operates a fleet dominated by Boeing, including 777-300ERs, 787-8s, 787-9s, and 737-800s. By sticking with a single manufacturer, the carrier avoids the substantial costs associated with establishing new maintenance facilities, spare parts inventories, and pilot training programs that an Airbus introduction would have required.

Geopolitical Drivers: The “Trade War” Context

Tariffs and Economic Diplomacy

While operational efficiency provides a strong business case, the timing of the order suggests external pressures played a decisive role. In July 2025, the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump imposed a 35% tariff on Bangladeshi exports. This policy, aimed at countries with trade surpluses with the U.S., posed a catastrophic threat to Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector, which relies on the U.S. as its largest single export market.

Reporting suggests that the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, viewed a significant purchase from Boeing as a necessary diplomatic tool. By narrowing the trade deficit through high-value capital imports like aircraft, officials hope to negotiate relief from the punitive tariffs.

Reversing the Airbus Pledge

The decision effectively nullifies a commitment made in September 2023 during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Dhaka. At that time, the administration of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had pledged to purchase 10 Airbus A350 aircraft to diversify the fleet and strengthen ties with the European Union. However, following political upheaval in August 2024 and the subsequent change in government, priorities shifted toward stabilizing relations with Washington.

Diplomatic Fallout and European Warnings

The pivot back to Boeing has not gone unnoticed by European partners. In November 2025, ambassadors from the UK, France, Germany, and the EU reportedly lobbied the interim government to honor the Airbus commitment. German Ambassador Rüdiger Lotz explicitly warned that excluding Airbus could negatively impact Bangladesh’s future trade relations with Europe.

“Ambassadors… warned that excluding Airbus could negatively impact Bangladesh’s trade relations with Europe.”

, Summary of diplomatic briefings

The European diplomats emphasized “fair competition” and noted that the decision could influence Bangladesh’s application for GSP+ (Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus) status, a critical trade privilege the country seeks after graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

AirPro News Analysis

From an aviation management perspective, Biman’s decision to stick with Boeing is operationally sound. Operating a mixed fleet of small numbers, such as introducing just 10 A350s alongside a dominant Boeing fleet, often creates “diseconomies of scale” due to duplicated training and maintenance requirements. However, the geopolitical stakes here are unusually high.

While the Boeing order may offer a short-term shield against U.S. protectionism, it risks alienating the European Union, another vital trade partner. Biman has effectively become a chess piece in a larger trade dispute. The challenge for the airline’s management will be ensuring that the technical terms of the deal, pricing and delivery slots, are not compromised by the political urgency to sign the contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

What aircraft is Biman Bangladesh Airlines buying?
Biman has approved the purchase of 14 Boeing aircraft: eight 787-10 Dreamliners, two 787-9 Dreamliners, and four 737-8 (MAX) jets.

Why did Biman cancel the Airbus deal?
The decision was driven by a combination of fleet commonality benefits (sticking to one manufacturer reduces costs) and urgent geopolitical pressure to reduce the trade deficit with the U.S. following the imposition of 35% tariffs on Bangladeshi goods.

When was this decision made?
The Biman board approved the proposal on December 30, 2025, and the decision was publicly reported on January 1, 2026.

Sources

• bdnews24.com
• The Business Standard (Context on tariffs)
• The Financial Express (Context on trade deficit)

This article is based on an official press release from KlasJet and includes data from industry market research.

KlasJet Bolsters Air Peace Fleet with Strategic Boeing 737-800 ACMI Lease

KlasJet, a prominent provider of exclusive private charter and ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) leasing services, has announced a new strategic partnership with Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline. According to the company’s official statement, the agreement involves the wet lease of a Boeing 737-800 aircraft designed to support Air Peace’s operational capacity during critical travel periods.

The partnership comes as Air Peace seeks to stabilize its schedule and expand its regional footprint across West Africa. By utilizing KlasJet’s ACMI solution, the Nigerian carrier aims to meet the surging demand of the “Yuletide” season while preparing for broader network adjustments scheduled for early 2026.

Operational Details and Aircraft Configuration

The agreement centers on a Boeing 737-800 Next Generation (NG) aircraft. Unlike standard high-density configurations often found in the wet leasing market, KlasJet has provided a unit with a premium “dual-class” layout. This configuration is specifically intended to align with Air Peace’s requirement to offer consistent service levels to its business clientele.

According to the technical specifications released:

• Business Class: Approximately 12 seats in a 2-2 configuration.
• Economy Class: Approximately 162 seats.
• Total Capacity: 174 passengers.

Under the terms of the ACMI contract, KlasJet retains responsibility for the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance, while Air Peace manages fuel, route planning, and marketing. This model allows the Nigerian carrier to deploy capacity rapidly without the long-term capital expenditure associated with purchasing new airframes.

Strategic Rationale for the Partnership

The collaboration addresses immediate operational needs for Air Peace while validating KlasJet’s expansion strategy into the African aviation market.

Capacity Recovery and Regional Expansion

For Air Peace, the lease provides a crucial buffer. Industry reports indicate that the airline is currently restructuring its regional network, with plans to shift from night-time to day-time operations in 2026 to enhance connectivity. Furthermore, the airline is targeting new routes to destinations such as Douala, Libreville, Kinshasa, and Bamako.

In a statement regarding the partnership, Air Peace’s Chief Operating Officer, Oluwatoyin Olajide, emphasized the importance of flexibility in their growth strategy:

“As the region’s leading airline, we have ambitious plans for the future and are convinced that the aircraft leasing model provides us with the flexibility required to grow strategically.”

KlasJet’s Market Penetration

KlasJet, a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group, has identified Africa as a high-growth region for ACMI services. The company’s strategy involves deploying aircraft with business class cabins to cater to flag carriers and premium airlines that cannot compromise on passenger experience during lease periods.

Augustinas Riskus, Deputy Chief Commercial Officer at KlasJet, highlighted the economic potential of the region:

“We believe that the ACMI model is well-suited for the African market, as it allows carriers to test out new routes and expand fleets without the additional financial burden of ownership… Nigeria is the most populous African country with an enormous economic potential.”

Market Context: Aviation Growth in West Africa

The partnership occurs against a backdrop of significant projected growth for the African aviation sector. Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects that African air traffic will grow by 7% in 2025 and 6% in 2026. West and Central Africa are expected to be primary drivers of this expansion.

The aviation industry is a vital economic engine for Nigeria, contributing approximately $2.5 billion to the GDP and supporting over 200,000 jobs. As demand rises, the ACMI model is becoming an increasingly popular tool for airlines to manage seasonal peaks and mitigate operational risks.

AirPro News Analysis

The Shift to Premium ACMI

The configuration of the leased Boeing 737-800 signals a maturing ACMI market in Africa. Historically, wet-leased aircraft were often high-density “economy only” vessels used strictly for volume. However, as major carriers like Air Peace compete for high-value corporate travelers, the inability to offer a business class product on leased aircraft has been a significant service gap.

By offering a dual-class configuration, KlasJet is positioning itself not just as a capacity provider, but as a brand-continuity partner. This approach allows Air Peace to maintain its service standards even when operating leased metal, a critical factor for retaining loyalty in the competitive West African market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ACMI lease?
ACMI stands for Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance. It is a leasing arrangement where the lessor (KlasJet) provides the aircraft and operational support, while the lessee (Air Peace) pays for fuel, airport fees, and handles the commercial side of the flights.

Why did Air Peace choose a dual-class aircraft?
Air Peace serves a significant number of business travelers. A dual-class aircraft (Business and Economy) ensures that the airline can continue to offer premium services and maintain its brand standards, even when using a leased aircraft.

What routes will this aircraft serve?
The aircraft is expected to support Air Peace’s domestic and regional schedule, helping to cover high demand during the holiday season and supporting expansion into new West African destinations like Douala and Bamako.

Sources

• KlasJet Press Release
• IATA Market Data

This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (CALC).

CALC Solidifies Fleet Expansion with Firm Order for 30 Airbus A320neo Jets

China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (CALC) has finalized a firm order for 30 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, marking a significant expansion of its portfolio amidst a recovering Asian aviation market. Announced on December 30, 2025, this agreement represents CALC’s fifth direct order with the European manufacturer.

According to the official announcement, this latest acquisition brings CALC’s total cumulative order book with Airbus to 282 aircraft, 203 of which are A320neo Family jets. The deal underscores the lessor’s strategy to secure valuable delivery slots for the next decade, with deliveries scheduled to take place in batches through 2033.

Deal Specifics and Fleet Strategy

While the specific financial terms of the transaction remain confidential, industry data suggests the scale of the investment is substantial. A comparable order for 30 A320neo jets placed by Spring Airlines earlier this week was valued at approximately $4.1 billion at list prices, though large-scale transactions typically involve significant discounts. As of the announcement date, CALC has not disclosed the specific engine selection (CFM International or Pratt & Whitney) for this batch of aircraft.

Mike Poon, Executive Director and CEO of CALC, emphasized the long-standing relationship between the lessor and the manufacturer in a statement accompanying the release:

Our enduring partnership with Airbus has been central to CALC’s growth. This latest order reflects our shared vision for innovation and sustainable aviation. We are proud to grow alongside Airbus and to continue providing our airline customers worldwide with high-value, modern aircraft solutions.

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales (Commercial-Aircraft), noted that the order validates the market demand for the A320neo:

CALC’s deep understanding of the market and what its customers demand is a solid endorsement of the A320neo Family. This commitment reinforces their strength as a lessor with the most efficient, versatile, and in-demand single-aisle aircraft.

Market Context: The “Airbus Wave” in China

This agreement is part of a broader surge in Airbus acquisitions by Chinese aviation entities observed in late December 2025. Industry reports indicate a coordinated push by Chinese carriers and lessors to lock in capacity for the late 2020s and early 2030s.

AirPro News Analysis

We view this order as further evidence of the “race for slots” currently defining the narrow-body market. With global production lines for single-aisle jets heavily backlogged, lessors like CALC are moving aggressively to secure inventory for the 2028–2033 timeframe. Waiting longer could mean missing out on the capacity needed to serve airline customers during the projected growth period of the next decade.

Furthermore, the deal highlights the diverging fortunes of the two major manufacturers in the region. While Airbus continues to solidify its dominance in the Chinese market with repeated bulk orders, competitor Boeing faces ongoing challenges related to trade tensions and regulatory hurdles. Although the domestic COMAC C919 is entering service, its production ramp-up remains too slow to satisfy the immediate volume requirements of major lessors, leaving the A320neo as the primary vehicle for near-term growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the A320neo?
The “neo” stands for “New Engine Option.” It is an updated version of the A320 family featuring new generation engines and “Sharklet” wingtips, delivering at least 20% fuel savings compared to previous generation aircraft.

When will these aircraft be delivered?
According to the agreement details, the 30 aircraft are scheduled for delivery in batches through the year 2033.

What is CALC?
China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (CALC) is a leading full value-chain aircraft solutions provider headquartered in Hong Kong. It focuses on acquiring and leasing fuel-efficient, modern aircraft to airlines globally.

Sources

• Airbus Press Release