Biman Bangladesh orders 11 more Boeing 787 and 737 MAX aircraft
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Biman Bangladesh Airlines is to add 11 Boeing aircraft – split across its narrow and widebody fleet – as the carrier plots its growth and renewal programme.
The order comprises five 787-10 Dreamliners and six 737-8s, adding to the 14 Boeing aircraft the airline ordered earlier this year.
With the two deals, Biman has combined commitments for 25 787 and 10 737 MAX aircraft.
The latest agreement was announced in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, where senior Bangladeshi and US officials joined representatives from the airline and Boeing for the signing.
Biman adds more 787s and 737 MAX aircraft
Biman already operates an all-Boeing widebody fleet comprising six of the 787, both the -8 and the -9, and four 777-300ERs, as well as 737 Next Generation aircraft.
The additional 787-10s will increase the size of Biman’s Dreamliner fleet and provide a higher-capacity option alongside its existing smaller 787-8 and 787-9 variants.
The 787-10 is the largest member of Boeing’s Dreamliner family, with capacity for up to 375 passengers.
The six 737-8s will provide further growth on Biman’s single-aisle network. The MAX variant offers greater range than the 737NG aircraft it is intended to replace, potentially giving Biman more flexibility to reach further into Asia, the Middle East or Europe.
Growing Biman’s international presence
Biman chairman Rumee Hossain said the latest purchase was based on the airline’s fleet planning requirements and would support the carrier’s network development.
“Today’s supplemental agreement is an important step in Biman’s ongoing fleet renewal and network expansion,” he said.
“This order responds to specific requirements in our fleet plan. Our team’s working relationship with Boeing over the years has given us confidence in the delivery and support arrangements.”
Hossain also described the agreement as part of a plan to strengthen Biman’s international reach, including services used by Bangladesh’s significant overseas population.
“As the national flag carrier, we remain committed to developing Biman’s network and capabilities in a manner that responds to the connectivity needs of the people of Bangladesh, our expatriate community, business and tourism.
“This agreement is one part of a broader, carefully considered plan to strengthen the country’s international connectivity in the years ahead.”
Boeing order allows for fleet commonality
Biman has been looking to modernise a fleet that includes several generations of Boeing aircraft, while also adding capacity as international demand develops.
Boeing said the addition of the 737‑8 and 787‑10 would ensure “seamless commonality across operations” with the existing fleet.
“The 737‑8 brings greater range to the airline’s single‑aisle network, while the 787‑10 adds higher capacity to complement Biman’s 787‑9 and 787‑8 airplanes,” Boeing said.
The new aircraft will also improve operating economics as older aircraft leave the fleet. Boeing says both the 787 and 737 MAX families offer fuel-efficiency improvements of around 20-25% compared with the aircraft they replace, although the actual benefit will depend on the routes and cabins chosen by the airline.
Biman builds on largest Boeing order
The latest purchase follows Biman’s April agreement for 14 Boeing aircraft, described at the time as the airline’s largest-ever Boeing order.
That deal included both 787 Dreamliners and 737 MAX aircraft.
Boeing senior vice-president of Commercial Sales and Marketing Brad McMullen said the latest agreement reflected Biman’s plans for fleet renewal and capacity growth.
“Biman’s follow-on order reflects its strategic approach to fleet renewal and capacity growth, and underscores the strength of our long-standing partnership,” he said.
“These additional 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes will deliver the efficiency, versatility and reliability Biman needs to support Bangladesh’s growing role in global aviation.”
Latest deal has implications beyond aviation
The signing was attended by Bangladesh’s minister of civil aviation and tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, alongside senior Bangladeshi government officials.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and other American officials were also present.
The expansion of Biman’s Boeing order comes against the backdrop of global US trade disputes that heightened concerns including in Bangladesh about the economic impact severed ties with the world’s largest economy to bring.
Bangladesh has been seeking to limit the impact of US tariffs on its exports and aircraft purchases from Boeing have formed part of the commercial commitments discussed as the two countries negotiated a trade agreement.
