Written by The Banking Post
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has decided in principle to purchase 14 aircraft from US-based manufacturer Boeing, signalling a major step toward long-term fleet expansion backed by improving financial performance.
The decision was taken at a recent meeting of the board of directors, where proposals from both Boeing and European manufacturer Airbus were reviewed. Following negotiations and government approval, Boeing submitted a detailed offer outlining aircraft specifications, delivery schedules and commercial terms.
Under the plan, Biman will order four Boeing 737 MAX and 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in November 2031, with the final aircraft expected by October 2035.
The move comes as the state-run airline reports robust financial results. In FY2024–25, Biman posted a net profit of Tk 7.85 billion, marking a 178 per cent increase from the previous year. Operating profit stood at Tk 16.02 billion, while total revenue rose 9.46 per cent year-on-year to Tk 115.59 billion—the highest in the airline’s history.
The figures were presented at the airline’s annual general meeting held on December 30, reflecting audited accounts. Officials noted that an earlier, higher profit figure released last year was based on unaudited data.
With the latest results, Biman has remained profitable for the fifth consecutive year and has posted net profits in nine of the past ten fiscal years.
During FY2024–25, the airline operated a fleet of 21 aircraft, carried 3.38 million passengers across 30 domestic and international routes, and recorded modest growth in passenger traffic. Cargo operations expanded sharply, with 43,918 tonnes transported and revenue rising more than 45 per cent to Tk 9.25 billion.
Biman also provided ground handling services to over 31,000 foreign airline flights, serving more than 6.1 million passengers. Officials said the airline remains fully self-financed and has operated without government subsidies since its inception.
