Online Desk: Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Faruk Khan said on Tuesday that aircraft would be purchased for national flag carrier Biman from the company, (Boeing or Airbus) that benefits Bangladesh.

Replying to questions from reporters, the minister said, “The United States definitely wants to add more Boeing aircraft to Bangladesh Biman. But we would take the best decision considering everything, including financial and technical aspects. We will buy from the company, which will be beneficial for Bangladesh.”

The minister came up with the remarks after a meeting with US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas at his secretariat office on Tuesday.

“We have worked together in the past to advance tourism and aviation in Bangladesh, and we have agreed to work together in the future. We asked them how the United States could do more to help us in these two areas,” said the minister.

“In some cases, even if there is a difference of opinion, we (Bangladesh and USA) have resolved it by discussing it for the sake of friendship. We have discussed this with the ambassador so that we can further strengthen our partnership in the tourism and aviation industry, especially in New York, so that we can get back our air slots as soon as possible,” he added.

US Ambassador Haas told reporters that the partnership between Bangladesh and the United States for the development of Bangladesh’s tourism and aviation industries will continue to move forward.

He added that US airplane manufacturer Boeing has submitted its proposal for the purchase of new aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines. “We want Boeing to be able to participate in the purchasing process, and this process should be done through fair competition.”

“The issue of launching direct flights between Bangladesh and the United States was discussed. There is still some process left in this regard; we will help the Civil Aviation Authority and Bangladesh Biman to complete it quickly,” said the ambassador.

Asked when the FAA audit on the launch of direct flights to New York could be completed, Faruk Khan said, “An audit team of ICAO is currently working at the Civil Aviation Authority. After they leave, we will invite the FAA for an audit at a convenient time. But that will be this year.”