DHAKA, Bangladesh, April 22, 2008 -- Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced the airline's order for four 777-300ER (Extended Range) and four 787-8 Dreamliner airplanes at a signing ceremony in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines, which began as a government-owned national carrier in 1972, became Bangladesh's largest public limited company in 2007. The order for new Boeing airplanes represents a major step forward in the airline's reorganization and growth plans. The airline also has purchase rights for four 777s and four 787s.
"Clearly, Biman needs modern, fuel-efficient and reliable airplanes to move forward with our expansion and better serve our country's growing travel needs," said Dr. M. A. Momen, Biman's managing director. "Our competitive assessment of both the 777-300ER and the 787-8 Dreamliner was extensive and has led to our making the very best decision based on our own defined operational parameters. We have selected the best airplanes to fulfill our mission requirements - and that mission is the continued growth and success of Biman Bangladesh Airlines."
Biman currently connects Bangladesh with 18 countries around the world, and has agreements in place that will allow it to serve a total of 42 countries as it implements its growth plan.
"It's always rewarding for us to work directly with an airline on a plan for success," said Marty Bentrott, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales for the Middle East and Africa. "The 777-300ER and 787-8 provide seamless operational compatibility that will offer Biman greater flexibility and more opportunity to institute route planning and fleet operations that have a positive impact to its bottom line."
