Biman signs deal for 11 more Boeing aircraft

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has signed an agreement to acquire 11 more Boeing aircraft, taking its orders with the US manufacturer this year to 25 jets as the national flag carrier pursues a major fleet expansion.

The supplementary agreement covers five 787-10 Dreamliners and six 737-8 aircraft, Boeing said. It follows Biman’s April 30 order for 14 jets, described by the manufacturer as the largest in the airline’s history.

Biman Board Chairman Rumee A Hossain and Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing Brad McMullen signed the agreement on behalf of their respective companies at a ceremony on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

'Today’s supplemental agreement is an important step in Biman’s ongoing fleet renewal and network expansion,' Hossain said. 'This order responds to specific requirements in our fleet plan. Our team’s working relationship with Boeing over the years has given us confidence in the delivery and support arrangements.'

As the national flag carrier, Biman was committed to developing its network and capacity to meet the travel needs of people in Bangladesh, the expatriate community, business travellers and tourists, he said.

'This agreement is one part of a broader, carefully considered plan to strengthen the country’s international connectivity in the years ahead,' Hossain added.

Civil Aviation Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau were among those present at the signing.

The newly announced aircraft bring Biman’s Boeing orders this year to 13 787-10s, two 787-9s and 10 737-8s. The April package, valued at approximately US$3.7 billion, comprised eight 787-10s, two 787-9s and four 737-8s. Deliveries under that earlier agreement are scheduled from November 2031 to October 2035.

Neither Biman nor Boeing disclosed the price, financing arrangements or delivery schedule for the additional 11 jets. Those terms will determine the financial scale of the expanded commitment and when the aircraft can begin adding capacity.

McMullen said the additional Dreamliners and 737 MAX aircraft would provide the efficiency, versatility and reliability needed to support Biman’s growth. Boeing said the 787-10 would add capacity to Biman’s long-haul fleet, while the 737-8 would offer greater range for its single-aisle network.

A Boeing delegation later paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, according to the adviser.

The new orders will take years to enter service. To address nearer-term capacity needs, the government has said Biman plans to lease up to 10 aircraft by 2027. It has also reviewed a roadmap to expand the carrier’s fleet to 47 aircraft by the 2034–35 fiscal year.