Biman orders 14 Boeing aircraft in major fleet expansion move

Dhaka: Biman Bangladesh Airlines has signed an agreement with Boeing to acquire 14 new aircraft, marking one of the largest fleet expansion initiatives in the airline’s history and reinforcing Bangladesh’s aviation growth ambitions.

The agreement was signed during a ceremony held at InterContinental Dhaka on April 30, covering eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, and four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft.

Biman Managing Director and CEO Kaizer Sohel Ahmed signed on behalf of the national carrier, while Paul Righi signed for Boeing.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat and Prime Minister’s Adviser M Humayun Kabir addressed the event, alongside Biman Board Chairman Rumee A Hossain and US Ambassador Brent T Christensen.

Speaking at the ceremony, Millat described the agreement as more than a purchase deal, calling it “a strong partnership between Bangladesh and the USA.” He added that the new aircraft would significantly enhance Biman’s capacity and global connectivity.

Boeing Vice President Paul Righi termed the agreement a “historical milestone” in the partnership between the two organizations. He noted that with this order, Biman will become one of the few airlines globally to operate the entire Boeing 787 Dreamliner family, including the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 variants.

According to Righi, the 787-10 aircraft will bring increased capacity and efficiency to high-demand routes, particularly in the Middle East, while the 787-9 will support long-haul operations to Europe and potentially North America. The addition of the 737-8 aircraft will mark Biman’s entry into Boeing’s latest generation single-aisle fleet, strengthening regional connectivity across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

Officials said the new aircraft are expected to modernize Biman’s ageing fleet, offering up to 20 percent improved fuel efficiency compared to older models, while enhancing passenger comfort through advanced cabin features.

The fleet expansion comes at a critical time as Bangladesh prepares to operationalize the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, which is expected to drive significant growth in passenger and cargo traffic.

Industry insiders noted that the acquisition would position Bangladesh more competitively within South Asia’s rapidly expanding aviation market, supporting the country’s ambitions to emerge as a regional aviation hub.

The agreement also concludes more than three years of competition between Boeing and European manufacturer Airbus for Biman’s next major fleet order, underscoring the strategic importance of the deal for both manufacturers and the national carrier.

With this move, Biman Bangladesh Airlines is set to expand its network, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the overall passenger experience, aligning with its long-term growth strategy.

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