Boeing said Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ latest order for 11 aircraft would provide greater efficiency, versatility and reliability to support Bangladesh’s expanding role in global aviation and the flag carrier’s fleet modernisation.

“Biman’s follow-on order reflects its strategic approach to fleet renewal and capacity growth, and underscores the strength of our long-standing partnership,” Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing Brad McMullen 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,” he added.

Biman and the US aircraft manufacturer signed a supplementary agreement for the additional aircraft on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Biman Board Chairman Rumi A Hossain and McMullen signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.

The latest order comprises five Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners and six 737-8 aircraft, bringing Biman’s Boeing orders this year to 25 aircraft.

Boeing said the 787-10 would provide additional capacity to complement Biman’s existing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft, while the 737-8 would bring greater range to the carrier’s single-aisle network.

The addition of the two aircraft types would also strengthen Biman’s established Boeing fleet by maintaining commonality across its operations.

Boeing said its 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX families provide 20% to 25% better fuel efficiency compared with the aircraft they replace, supporting Biman’s strategy to modernise its fleet and expand international connectivity.

Biman currently operates Boeing 787, 777 and 737 Next-Generation aircraft across its international network, connecting Bangladesh with major hubs and destinations in the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia and Europe.

The latest agreement follows Biman’s April 30 order for 14 Boeing aircraft, valued at approximately US$3.7 billion.

That package comprised eight 787-10 Dreamliners, two 787-9 Dreamliners and four 737-8 aircraft.

With the latest order, Biman’s Boeing acquisition programme this year now comprises 13 Boeing 787-10s, two 787-9s and 10 Boeing 737-8s.

Deliveries under the earlier 14-aircraft agreement are scheduled between November 2031 and October 2035, while the price, financing arrangements and delivery schedule for the additional 11 aircraft have not been disclosed.

Biman Chairman Hossain described the supplementary agreement as an important step in the flag carrier’s ongoing fleet modernisation and network expansion programme.

“This order has been placed in line with the specific requirements of our fleet plan. Our longstanding, effective and mutually cooperative relationship with Boeing has given us confidence in aircraft delivery and subsequent support arrangements,” he said.

Hossain said the agreement was part of a comprehensive and well-planned long-term strategy to strengthen Bangladesh’s international air connectivity while responding to the growing travel needs of people in Bangladesh, expatriate Bangladeshis, businesses and tourists.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin attended the signing ceremony.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau were also present.

Speaking after the signing, Mahdi Amin said Bangladesh needed additional aircraft as its aviation sector expands and the country plans to open new international routes.

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