24 September : Biman Bangladesh Airlines has described a new agreement with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing as a significant step towards modernising its fleet and expanding its international network. Under the agreement, the national flag carrier plans to purchase 11 aircraft, comprising five Boeing 787-10s and six Boeing 737-8s.
The information was disclosed in a statement issued by Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ public relations department on Thursday, 24 September. The airline said the addition of the new aircraft would help enhance operational capacity, efficiency and international connectivity, while supporting the implementation of its long-term fleet plan.
Rumi A Hossain, chairman of Biman’s Board of Directors, said the airline was committed to strengthening its network and capabilities to meet the growing connectivity needs of the people of Bangladesh, expatriate Bangladeshis, business travellers and tourists.
He said the agreement with Boeing had been signed as part of a comprehensive and well-planned long-term strategy aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s international air connectivity in the coming years.
The agreement was signed at an event held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Rumi A Hossain signed on behalf of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, while Brad McMullen, Boeing’s senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, signed on behalf of the aircraft manufacturer.
Biman said the decision to purchase the new aircraft had been taken after considering the airline’s specific fleet planning requirements. According to the authorities, the agreement would further strengthen the carrier’s long-term fleet modernisation programme. The new aircraft are also expected to contribute to improvements in operational capacity, flexibility and overall efficiency.
The airline said the new aircraft would help maintain compatibility and continuity with its existing Boeing fleet. This, it added, would create opportunities to ensure greater consistency in fleet management and operational activities.
According to the statement, Biman Bangladesh Airlines aims to build a modern, efficient and commercially sustainable fleet to meet the country’s growing international connectivity needs and strengthen national aviation capacity over the long term.
Biman authorities also said the airline had maintained a longstanding, effective and cooperative relationship with Boeing. The new agreement, they added, would open up further opportunities not only for aircraft deliveries but also for subsequent support and assistance arrangements.
Bangladesh Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Foreign Affairs State Minister Humayun Kabir, Invest Bangladesh Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, and relevant officials from Bangladesh and the United States attended the signing ceremony.
Source: Public Relations Department, Biman Bangladesh Airlines.