In a milestone event for Bangladesh’s aviation industry, the national flag carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, has officially signed a final agreement with US aerospace giant Boeing to purchase 14 new aircraft. This marks the largest single aircraft purchase deal in the history of the country.
Formal Signing Ceremony
The agreement was formally executed at 9:00 PM on Thursday, April 30, at a hotel in the capital. Biman’s Managing Director and CEO, Kaizer Sohail Ahmed, and Boeing Vice President, Paul Righi, signed the contract on behalf of their respective organizations.
The ceremony was attended by M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, as the special guest. Other prominent attendees included Biman’s Board of Directors Chairman Rumi A. Hossain and the US Ambassador to Dhaka, Brent T. Christensen.
Strengthening the Fleet: The Details
Under the terms of the deal, valued at approximately $3.7 billion (roughly 37,000 crore BDT), Biman will acquire a mix of wide-body and narrow-body aircraft designed for different route requirements:
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8 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners: Intended for high-capacity Middle Eastern routes.
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2 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners: Designed for long-haul routes to Europe and North America.
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4 Boeing 737-8 MAX: To modernize and strengthen short-haul and regional flight operations.
Boeing VP Paul Righi noted that these new models are approximately 20% more fuel-efficient than previous generations and will offer significantly enhanced passenger amenities.
Strategic and Economic Impact
State Minister Millat characterized the deal as more than just a commercial purchase, describing it as a “strong partnership” between Bangladesh and the United States.
The agreement stems from a preliminary pact made by the interim government in February to help balance trade deficits. US Ambassador Christensen echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of the deal in fostering bilateral cooperation and developing the local aviation sector.
Delivery Timeline
According to official sources, the delivery of the new fleet is expected to begin in October 2031. The remaining aircraft will be handed over in phases, with the total fleet integration scheduled for completion by 2035.
Once integrated, these aircraft are expected to drastically increase Biman’s global reach, allowing the airline to compete more effectively on long-haul international routes while modernizing its regional connectivity.
At a Glance: Biman-Boeing Megadeal
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Total Aircraft: 14
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Estimated Cost: $3.7 Billion (37,000 Crore BDT)
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Models: 787-10, 787-9, and 737-8 MAX
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First Delivery: October 2031
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Completion: 2035
