Dhaka : National flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines has achieved the highest-ever profit in its 55-year history, posting an unaudited profit of BDT 937 crore in the fiscal year 2024-25.

"This landmark reflects Biman's transformation into a modern and competitive airline while upholding national pride," Biman Managing Director and CEO Md Shafiqur Rahman said on August 20.

He attributed the milestone to efficient resource management, effective strategies, and continuous improvements in passenger services.

Rahman noted that increased web sales - driven by the removal of international selling restrictions, effective promotional campaigns, and greater credit card transactions - reduced Global Distribution System (GDS) costs contributing significantly to the profit.

He added that the government's restriction on ticket reservations beyond 72 hours had also curbed malpractice, ensuring higher seat occupancy.

According to Biman, the latest figure more than doubled its previous highest profit of BDT 440 crore in 2021-22.

The airline earned BDT 11,631.37 crore in revenue in FY 2024-25, continuing the momentum of FY 2023-24 when it crossed BDT 10,000 crore revenue for the first time. Since its inception in 1972, Biman has recorded profit in 26 years.

The airline said since its conversion into a public limited company in 2007, it has accumulated a total profit of BDT 589 crore over 18 years, a sign of its long-term stability despite global aviation challenges.

Biman currently operates a fleet of 21 aircraft, including four Boeing 777-300ERs, four Boeing 787-8s, two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, six Boeing 737s, and five Dash 8-400s.

Its in-house maintenance capability, covering everything from line maintenance to major checks, has helped ensure cost savings, faster service, and adherence to international safety standards.

In FY 2024-25, Biman carried 3.4 million passengers and 43,918 tons of cargo, with its cabin factor rising to 82 percent. In January 2025, the airline also achieved its highest-ever monthly ticket sales.

Rahman said a Special Prorate Agreement (SPA) with ITA Airways has already boosted sales in Italy and other European cities.

Biman's MD further revealed that a comprehensive SPA with Turkish Airlines and another with Hainan Airlines are in progress.

Additionally, he said, Biman is preparing to launch a business-to-business (B2B) travel agent portal and expand credit card acceptance in markets such as Italy, Canada, the UK, and Japan.

Biman currently flies to nearly 25 international destinations including Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Dammam, Delhi, Doha, Dubai, Guangzhou, Jeddah, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, London, Manchester, Medina, Muscat, Toronto, Riyadh, Sharjah, and Singapore.