Bangladesh’s national carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, has signed what is being described as the largest aircraft procurement deal in the country’s history. The agreement, finalized on Thursday, April 30 in Dhaka with Boeing, involves the purchase of 14 state-of-the-art aircraft, according to a statement from the manufacturer.
Under the deal, Biman will acquire eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, and four Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Notably, the 787-10 and 737 MAX 8 models will be new additions to the airline’s fleet. The eight 787-10 jets are expected to serve high-demand Middle Eastern routes, while the two 787-9 aircraft will operate on long-haul routes to Europe and North America. The 737 MAX 8 aircraft will be used for regional routes across the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia.
Biman’s Managing Director and CEO, Kaiser Sohel Ahmed, said the new fuel-efficient and technologically advanced aircraft will modernize the airline’s fleet, improve operational efficiency, and expand its international network, strengthening Bangladesh’s position in the global aviation market. Meanwhile, Paul Righi, Vice President at Boeing, welcomed the partnership, noting that the 787-10 will integrate seamlessly with Biman’s existing fleet, while the 737 MAX 8 is well-suited for regional demand.
These aircraft are expected to consume 20–25% less fuel compared to previous models. The 787-10, in particular, offers one of the lowest per-seat operating costs among wide-body aircraft. Passengers will also benefit from enhanced comfort features, including larger windows, lower cabin altitude, reduced dryness, and improved turbulence handling technology.
The signing ceremony was attended by Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita, Biman Chairman Rumi A. Hossain, and National Board of Revenue Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md. Mostakur Rahman, and U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen.
Currently, Biman operates flights from Dhaka to 22 international destinations. Its longest route connects Dhaka to Toronto via Istanbul, operated by the 787-9 aircraft. According to Boeing’s commercial market outlook, South Asia’s wide-body fleet is expected to more than triple over the next 20 years, with Bangladesh playing a significant role in this growth. Analysts are calling the agreement a landmark milestone in the country’s aviation sector.
