Biman signs $3.7 billion landmark deal with Boeing to purchase 14 aircraft

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has signed a landmark $3.7 billion deal with Boeing, committing to acquire 14 jets in a move aimed at expanding capacity and positioning Bangladesh as a regional aviation hub.

The agreement, signed on Thursday, includes eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, and four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. It marks a significant step in the airline’s long-term strategy to modernise its fleet and meet rising passenger demand.

Addressing the event, State Minister for Civil Aviation Rashiduzzaman Millat said the deal is part of the government plan to make Bangladesh a regional aviation hub.

Prime Minister’s adviser on foreign affairs and civil aviation, Humayun Kabir, said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has given high priority to modernising the fleet of the national carrier.

Speaking at the programme, the US ambassador to Dhaka, Brent T. Christensen, described the deal as “an investment in Bangladesh’s future” and a milestone in modernising the country’s civil aviation sector.

“The deal also exemplifies the win-win nature of the US-Bangladesh agreement on reciprocal trade, also called the ART.

He said the partnership would extend beyond aircraft supply, encompassing training for pilots and engineers, as well as systems development. “US companies are more than just providers and customers – they are partners in strengthening Bangladesh,” he said, adding that the agreement reflected a broader push for balanced trade and investment ties between the two countries.

Christensen highlighted the economic implications for both sides, noting that each Boeing aircraft supports thousands of jobs across the United States, while for Bangladesh, newer fuel-efficient aircraft would reduce operating costs and improve competitiveness. The 787 Dreamliner, he said, consumes 20–25 per cent less fuel than older models, a critical advantage in an industry where fuel accounts for up to 40 per cent of operating expenses.

The deal is being financed through the Export-Import Bank of the United States, with repayment terms aligned to delivery schedules, easing pressure on the airline’s cash flow. He also pointed to future cooperation, including a possible feasibility study by the US Trade and Development Agency for a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Bangladesh.

Biman’s board chairman, Rumee A Hossain, said the airline aims to expand its fleet to 47 aircraft by 2034–35.

 “We plan to meet growing passenger demand through increased capacity, fleet modernisation and operational efficiency,” he said. The expansion will also support the launch of new routes, the revival of profitable ones, and the replacement of ageing aircraft.

According to Hossain, the new aircraft will raise daily seat capacity to more than 5,000 and increase cargo handling capability. He added that the plan aligns with the commissioning of the new terminal at Dhaka’s main international airport.

Despite recent growth, the chairman acknowledged that Biman currently carries less than 25 per cent of Bangladesh’s passenger traffic and under 10 per cent of its cargo market, underscoring the need for expansion.

Paul Righi, Boeing’s vice-president for sales and marketing, described the agreement as a “historic milestone” in the company’s partnership with Biman.

With the new order, Biman will become one of a limited number of airlines globally to operate the full family of 787 Dreamliners, including the 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 variants. The larger 787-10 is expected to serve high-demand routes in the Middle East, while the 787-9 will be deployed on long-haul flights to Europe and North America.

The inclusion of 737-8 aircraft also marks Biman’s first step into Boeing’s latest-generation narrow-body fleet, enabling more efficient regional connectivity across South and Southeast Asia and India.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com