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9 months ago

Boeing eyes new aircraft sales to BD

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The Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) hopes the Bangladesh government will evaluate its proposal to sell new Boeing aircraft to the Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

At a briefing on Tuesday, BCA vice-president (commercial sales and marketing for India and South Asia) Ryan Weir said, "We held a meeting with officials of Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism along with Biman Bangladesh Airlines."

"They assured that our proposal would be evaluated…," he added.

In a 'meet and greet' session at a city hotel, Mr Weir told the media that they placed a proposal to sell four passenger planes of Boeing 787 Dreamliner and two Boeing 777-300ER cargo planes.

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (US EXIM Bank) will provide adequate credit if Biman purchases new aircraft from the BCA, according to him.

Mr Weir further said that the bank earlier financed the previous buys by the Biman authorities.

BCA managing director (commercial marketing in Eurasia and Indian Subcontinent) Ashwin Naidu says as part of a drive to expand its fleet with Boeing 787 aircraft, Biman has scope to save more than $150 million over a 20-year term than introducing Airbus.

These costs are driven by airplane and engine spares and spare parts, tooling, training as well as additional pilot salaries and administrative overhead costs due to having multiple pilot grounds, he adds.

Mr Naidu further said, "The market is very strong in Bangladesh. We're convinced that Bangladesh market is a rising star over the next 20 years. The fleet size is going to at least close to triple by the same time."

In Biman's route network, a 787 Dreamliner will generate over $5.0 million more profit compared to an A350-900 aircraft, claims the official.

The aircraft also consumes 6.0 per cent less fuel than its closest competitor Airbus A350-900, he says.

BCA sales director Kaanthi Bhuvanagiri, among others, was also present at the briefing.

Boeing has established a significant presence in Bangladesh's aviation sector, providing a range of advanced airplanes to its leading airlines.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the national flag carrier, has Boeing aircraft such as Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the 737 in its fleet.

US Bangla, a Bangladeshi private airline, also operates Boeing airplanes.

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