Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Biman Bangladesh Airlines announced that the national carrier has placed its largest-ever order, selecting 14 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX aeroplanes to expand and modernise its fleet.
The new order includes:
• Eight 787-10s, Biman's first order of the largest 787 variant, to serve high-demand flights to the Middle East
• Two 787-9s to support long-haul service to Europe and North America
• Four 737-8s, the airline's first 737 MAX order, to efficiently connect Bangladesh with destinations across the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia
"The new fuel-efficient, technologically advanced aircraft will modernise Biman's fleet, sharpen operational performance, and extend 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.
Biman currently operates a fleet of 14 Boeing airplanes – 787-9s, 787-8s, 777s and Next-Generation 737s – on its long-haul and short-haul international networks. The airline will boost passenger and cargo capacity while improving fuel efficiency with the 787-10, which offers the lowest cost per seat of any widebody airplane.
The 737-8 will support Biman's single-aisle fleet renewal and help the carrier meet growing regional demand. The 737 MAX and 787 families deliver 20-25% fuel-use improvement compared to the airplanes they replace.
"We are proud to build on our partnership with Biman with this order and support their strategy to modernise their fleet, expand their network and enhance the passenger experience," said Paul Righi, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Eurasia, India and South Asia. "The 787-10 delivers unmatched efficiency and seamless commonality with Biman's existing 787s, while the 737-8 is the ideal bridge from their 737 fleet with its versatility, fuel savings and crew commonality."
The 787-10, like the 787-9 and 787-8, offers passengers a comfortable cabin experience with the largest windows of any widebody jet, air that is less dry and pressurised at a lower cabin altitude, and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.
Biman currently flies from Dhaka, Bangladesh, to 22 international destinations, including major hubs in the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and Europe. The airline's longest route is the service to Toronto via Istanbul on a 787-9.
Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook projects South Asia's widebody fleet will more than triple over 20 years as the region's carriers connect millions of travellers to international destinations across the Middle East, Europe and North America. With the region poised for significant air travel demand over the next two decades, Bangladesh will continue to contribute to this growth.
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