Biman Bangladesh Airlines Limited has finalized a landmark agreement with The Boeing Company to acquire 14 aircraft, including eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and four Boeing 737-8 MAX jets.
The agreement was signed by Biman Managing Director and CEO Kaizer Sohel Ahmed on behalf of the airline, while a Boeing representative signed for the manufacturer in the presence of senior government officials, diplomats and aviation executives at a city hotel in Dhaka.
The estimated list value of the aircraft package is around $3.7 billion (Tk 37,000 crore). Under the delivery schedule, the first aircraft is expected to arrive in November 2031, while the remaining jets are scheduled for delivery by October 2035.
At the ceremony, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam attended as chief guest, while Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman was present as guest of honour. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir attended as special guests.
Other dignitaries present included Biman Board Chairman Rumee A Hossain, US Ambassador Brent T Christensen, Boeing Vice President Sales and Marketing Paul Righi, along with senior officials from the government of Bangladesh and Boeing.
The deal aligns with the government’s “Bangladesh First” vision, which prioritises economic growth, stronger global connectivity and improved passenger experience, according to a Biman press release.
State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said Bangladesh is moving towards becoming a regional aviation hub and the addition of new aircraft will support that goal.
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“The new fuel-efficient and technologically advanced aircraft will modernise Biman’s fleet, enhance operational efficiency and expand its international route network, strengthening Bangladesh’s position in the global aviation market,” said Kaizer Sohel Ahmed, Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
He said the agreement is expected to contribute beyond aviation by supporting tourism growth, boosting economic activity and creating skilled employment opportunities through technology transfer and workforce development.
Biman said it remains a key lifeline for Bangladeshi expatriate workers worldwide, and the new aircraft will ensure safer, more reliable and more comfortable travel for passengers.
Boeing Vice President Paul Righi said Biman will become one of the few carriers globally to operate the full Boeing 787 Dreamliner family, the 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10.
He said the 787-10 will offer higher capacity and efficiency on high-demand routes including the Middle East, while the 787-9 will serve long-haul destinations such as Europe and North America.
He added that the 787 and 737 families together deliver up to 20 percent better fuel efficiency compared to the aircraft they replace, while also improving passenger comfort through advanced cabin features and smoother travel experience.
He further said the agreement supports Biman’s strategy to expand its network, modernise its fleet and enhance passenger experience, while positioning Bangladesh as an emerging aviation hub in South Asia.