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Biman Bangladesh Airlines has finalized a deal to purchase 14 aircraft from American aircraft manufacturer Boeing. The agreement was signed on Thursday (April 30) night at a ceremony held in a five-star hotel in the capital.
Kaiser Sohel Ahmed, Managing Director and CEO of Biman, and Paul Riggi, Vice President of Boeing, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. The event was attended by State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen, and other relevant officials.
This initiative to purchase 14 aircraft at once is the first of its kind in the country’s history. According to the agreement, these aircraft will be gradually added to Biman’s fleet over the next few years.
Under the agreement, eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, and four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft will be purchased. Valued at approximately 3.7 billion US dollars, or about 37,000 crore Bangladeshi Taka, this deal is considered one of the largest investments in the country’s aviation sector.
During the event, Boeing announced that the new 787-10 aircraft would be used on Middle Eastern routes, while the 787-9 aircraft would serve long-haul routes to Europe and North America. Furthermore, the addition of 737-8 MAX aircraft will modernize and strengthen short-haul route operations. These aircraft are approximately 20% more fuel-efficient and will offer enhanced facilities for passengers.
It is noteworthy that previously, a process was underway to purchase aircraft from the European manufacturer Airbus. However, following a political change, discussions with Boeing advanced, leading to the finalization of this agreement.
According to Biman sources, the first aircraft is expected to be delivered in October 2031, with the remaining 13 aircraft to be handed over in phases by 2035.
Stakeholders believe that the addition of new aircraft will increase Biman’s long-haul route capacity and further strengthen regional flight operations.