Biman Bangladesh Airlines owes more than 7,756 crore to two government-owned organisations, even as the national flag carrier claims to have recorded profits for five consecutive years.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is owed 5,842 crore, 91 lakh, 23 thousand, 974 taka, while Padma Oil PLC is owed 1,232 crore, 71 lakh, 16 thousand, 382 taka.

Padma Oil Receives Monthly Payments

According to sources, an inter-ministerial meeting was held on January 21 last year to discuss Biman’s outstanding payments to Padma Oil. The meeting decided that Biman would pay Padma Oil at least 25 crore taka per month.

Padma Oil Deputy General Manager (Aviation) Anup Kumar Barua said Biman has been making monthly payments in line with the inter-ministerial decision.

Between 2011 and October 2019, Biman’s total outstanding dues to Padma Oil stood at 2,108 crore, 19 lakh, 97 thousand taka. Since the inter-ministerial meeting, the airline has reportedly paid 25 crore taka each month.

An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Biman had already paid 875 crore, 48 lakh, 80 thousand, 892 taka, but still owed 1,232 crore, 71 lakh, 16 thousand, 382 taka.

CAAB Claims Billions in Unpaid Charges

CAAB Assistant Director and Public Relations Officer Muhammad Kawsar Mahmud said Biman’s outstanding aeronautical and non-aeronautical charges, including surcharges, totalled 5,842 crore, 91 lakh, 23 thousand, 874 taka through August.

He said CAAB had sent multiple letters to Biman regarding the dues, but no payment had yet been made.

Biman Claims Record Profits

Despite the unpaid bills, Biman claims it is operating profitably.

The airline reportedly earned 785 crore taka from passenger services in the 2024–25 fiscal year and has remained profitable for five consecutive years.

Biman General Manager for Customer Service and Public Relations Mahbubuddin Ahmed said the airline currently operates 19 aircraft, including four modern Boeing 777-300ERs.

He said the aircraft serve domestic routes as well as major international airports in prominent cities around the world.

Plans to Add 21 Aircraft

Biman is reportedly planning to purchase 21 additional aircraft, including 11 Boeing and 10 Airbus planes, to expand and modernise its fleet.

Sources said the national carrier is moving towards separate agreements with Boeing and Airbus despite concerns over financing, fleet operating costs and geopolitical pressures.

If the plans are implemented, Biman’s total aircraft collection would eventually rise to 35.

Airbus Deal Under Final Review

An official familiar with the matter said Biman’s techno-finance committee completed its work on the proposed Airbus acquisition by August 31 and submitted a report to the airline’s board.

A board subcommittee has also completed its review, while both sides are conducting final assessments before signing the proposed agreement.

Biman had earlier indicated that it was prepared to complete the Airbus agreement by August 31. Although the deadline passed without a signing ceremony, officials now expect the process to move forward in September.

Boeing and Airbus Agreements Expected

According to sources, Biman is expected to sign separate agreements with Boeing and Airbus authorities in New York soon.

Once finalised, the agreements will be added to the 3.7-billion-dollar deal signed last April for 14 Boeing aircraft. This would bring the total number of Boeing aircraft in Biman’s planned fleet to 25.

Current Fleet Details

Of Biman’s 19 aircraft:

Five are Dash 8 aircraft, each with 74 seats, operating on domestic and Kolkata routes.

Four are Boeing 737-800 aircraft, each with 162 seats, serving South Asia and the Middle East.

Four are Boeing 787-8 aircraft, each with 271 seats, operating to the Far East, Europe and South America.

Two are Boeing 787-9 aircraft, each with 298 seats.

Four are Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, each with 419 seats, operating mainly to the Middle East.

Biman’s History

Biman Bangladesh Airlines began operations on January 4, 1972, initially providing domestic services.

According to information on the airline’s website, its first aircraft was a McDonnell Douglas DC-3 brought from India. The aircraft connected Dhaka with Chattogram, Jessore and Sylhet.

Biman operated flights to Chattogram and Sylhet on March 7, 1972, and to Jessore on March 9. Its first international flight was completed on March 4, when 179 passengers were flown from London to Dhaka.