Biman signs $3.7b deal with US Boeing 

Biman Bangladesh Airlines on Thursday signed a landmark agreement with US aerospace giant Boeing to acquire 14 aircrafts, marking one of the largest fleet expansion initiatives in its history and reinforcing Bangladesh's ambitions for growth in the aviation sector.

Under the agreement, Biman will buy eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and four Boeing 737-8 MAX jets, with an estimated list value of around $3.7 billion (Tk 37,000 crore).

The agreement was signed at a ceremony held at Hotel InterContinental in the capital in the evening.
Biman's Managing Director and CEO Kaizer Sohel Ahmed signed the deal on behalf of the national flag carrier, while Boeing Vice-President Paul Righi signed for the manufacturer.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat and Prime Minister's Adviser M Humayun Kabir spoke at the event. 

Biman's Board Chairman Rumee A. Hossain and US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen also addressed the ceremony, highlighting the significance of the agreement for bilateral cooperation and aviation sector development.

Millat said this is not only a purchase agreement between Biman and Boeing, it's a strong partnership between Bangaldesh and the US. 

State minister said the new aircraft will increase capacity and connectivity of the Biman Bangaldesh Airlines across the world. 

Officials said the acquisition would modernise Biman's ageing fleet, enhance fuel efficiency and significantly expand passenger and cargo capacity over the next decade.

The wide-body Dreamliners are expected to strengthen long-haul connectivity with Europe, the Middle East and Asia, while the narrow-body 737 MAX aircraft will boost regional operations.

The deal comes as Bangladesh prepares to operationalise the third terminal of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, seen as a key driver of future passenger growth.

The agreement concludes more than three years of competition between Boeing and European manufacturer Airbus for Biman's next major fleet order.