The government is set to finalize a major deal with the US-based Boeing Company by April 30 to procure 14 new aircraft and lease several others as part of a strategic push to transform Biman Bangladesh Airlines into a profitable carrier.

The announcement was made by State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat on Thursday morning, following a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat.

According to the state minister, the Prime Minister has issued clear directives to the aviation authorities to turn the national flag carrier into a "profitable entity at any cost."

Beyond fleet expansion, the government has set a timeline for major infrastructure milestones.

State Minister Millat revealed that the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka is slated to open either on December 16 this year, marking Victory Day, or at the very beginning of the new year.

Regarding regional connectivity, the minister noted that a final decision on launching international flights from Cox’s Bazar Airport will be reached after the unveiling of the upcoming national budget.

To further modernize the sector, the government is also exploring a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model designed to enhance the profitability and service standards of the country’s key tourist destinations.

With Inputs from UNB