Biman Bangladesh Airlines has signed an agreement to acquire 11 more Boeing aircraft, taking its orders with the US manufacturer this year to 25 jets as the national flag carrier pursues a major fleet expansion.

The supplementary agreement covers five 787-10 Dreamliners and six 737-8 aircraft, Boeing said. It follows Biman’s April 30 order for 14 jets, described by the manufacturer as the largest in the airline’s history.

Biman Board Chairman Rumee A Hossain and Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing Brad McMullen signed the agreement on behalf of their respective companies at a ceremony on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

“Today’s supplemental agreement is an important step in Biman’s ongoing fleet renewal and network expansion,” Hossain 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.”

As the national flag carrier, Biman was committed to developing its network and capacity to meet the travel needs of people in Bangladesh, the expatriate community, business travellers and tourists, he said.

“This agreement is one part of a broader, carefully considered plan to strengthen the country’s international connectivity in the years ahead,” Hossain added.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau were among those present at the signing.

The newly announced aircraft bring Biman’s Boeing orders this year to 13 787-10s, two 787-9s and 10 737-8s. The April package, valued at approximately US$3.7 billion, comprised eight 787-10s, two 787-9s and four 737-8s. Deliveries under that earlier agreement are scheduled from November 2031 to October 2035.

Neither Biman nor Boeing disclosed the price, financing arrangements or delivery schedule for the additional 11 jets. Those terms will determine the financial scale of the expanded commitment and when the aircraft can begin adding capacity.

McMullen said the additional Dreamliners and 737 MAX aircraft would provide the efficiency, versatility and reliability needed to support Biman’s growth. Boeing said the 787-10 would add capacity to Biman’s long-haul fleet, while the 737-8 would offer greater range for its single-aisle network.

The signing comes as Biman also considers a separate proposal to acquire 10 Airbus aircraft: four A350-900 widebody jets and six A321neo narrowbody aircraft. If that purchase proceeds, the Boeing and Airbus packages would create a pipeline of 35 aircraft for a flag carrier currently operating a fleet of 19.

The scale of the programme puts its cost, delivery timetable and fleet support requirements in focus. An Airbus purchase would also require Biman to plan for training, maintenance and spare parts across aircraft from both manufacturers.

Speaking after the ceremony, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin said Bangladesh needed new aircraft to expand its aviation sector and open international routes. Aircraft would be purchased according to the country’s requirements, he said, adding that discussions with Airbus could take place in the future.

A Boeing delegation later paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, according to the adviser.

The new orders will take years to enter service. To address nearer-term capacity needs, the government has said Biman plans to lease up to 10 aircraft by 2027. It has also reviewed a roadmap to expand the carrier’s fleet to 47 aircraft by the 2034–35 fiscal year.