Aircraft purchase decision after evaluation: Faruk

The decision to purchase aircraft from Boeing or Airbus will be made after evaluating the proposals from the companies, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan said on Sunday.

"Currently, a high-level committee is evaluating the proposals. The evaluation is not yet complete. We will purchase aircraft from the company recommended by the committee," Minister Faruk Khan said during a press briefing following a courtesy meeting with US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas at the Secretariat.

Mentioning the necessity of the new aircraft, the minister said, "We need new aircraft for the expansion of our fleet. Both Boeing and Airbus are competing in this regard. They have submitted their proposals to Biman Bangladesh Airlines."

"Both companies have provided good proposals. The final decision will be based on what is best for us and ensures the interests of Bangladesh are protected," he added.

Regarding discussions with the US Ambassador, Faruk Khan said, "We also talked about upgrading the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) to Category-1 and launching Dhaka-New York flights. I told him that this is a political commitment and a promise from the Honourable Prime Minister, so it holds immense importance for us. We expect a decision on this matter soon."

In response, US Ambassador Peter Haas said that any decision will be made in compliance with international aviation laws and the rules of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

"Several US companies are interested in increasing their business cooperation here, particularly in becoming partners in Bangladesh's growing aviation industry," he added.

Responding to a question from journalists, Minister Faruk Khan said, "There is no reason from our side or theirs. In previous procurement processes, US companies have participated, and sometimes they did not win the contracts, which were awarded to companies from other countries."

He stated that such decisions have not affected the relationship between Bangladesh and the US.

"Procurement decisions are based on product quality, compliance with national laws and protecting the country's interests," the minister added.