Biman buying two more 787 Dreamliners for $585m

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is set to buy two 787-9 Dreamliner jets at a cost of $585 million ($ 580.5 crore) at list prices, reports bdnews24.com

Biman and US aero plane maker Boeing announced the deal at the 2019 Dubai Airshow in the UAE city of Dubai on Sunday, said a statement.

Boeing's 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft is more advanced than 787-8 Dreamliner planes.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had inaugurated the four 787-8 Dreamliner airplanes of Biman in Dhaka, is currently in Dubai to watch the airshow.

The new purchase was recorded in October as an unidentified order on Boeing's website. It complements Biman's fleet of 787-8 jets with the larger and longer range 787-9 variant.

The national flag carrier of Bangladesh says the addition of the 787-9 will help modernise its fleet and expand its international network, the statement said.

"One of our key priorities is to have a modern fleet with technologically-advanced airplanes that will enable us to expand our international reach," Biman Chairman Muhammad Enamul Bari said in the statement.

"While we have a good domestic network, we plan to extend our international network to include more destinations in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The 787 with its technological superiority, excellent operational performance and passenger experience will enable us to achieve that goal," he added.

The 787-9 is part of a three-member family that offers long range and unmatched fuel efficiency in the 200 to 350 aircraft seat market.

For Biman, the 787-9 can carry 298 passengers in a standard three-class configuration and fly up to 7,530 nautical miles (13,950 kilometres) while reducing fuel use and emissions by up to 25 per cent compared to older aero planes.

President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes Stan Deal said Biman was showing the planemaker "the powerful potential of the Dreamliner family".

"Just last month, the airline launched a new non-stop flight from its hub in Dhaka to Medina, Saudi Arabia. It's a great example of the 787-8 serving as a 'market opener.' And now, Biman adds the 787-9 which brings more seats, more range and more cargo-carrying capability for the routes that need it. The two will form a profitable network solution for Biman," according to the statement.

It said Boeing also provides services that help Biman operate more efficiently.