The national flag carrier is mulling to buy two more Boeing 787-9 Deamliners, according to people familiar with the matter.
The development came to light after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hinted it while inaugurating Biman’s fourth Dreamliner 'Rajhangsa' on Tuesday (Sept 17).
“Apart from the existing aircraft, three Dash Bombardier planes will be added to the Biman fleet. We’ve also got news that Boeing is interested to sell two aircrafts, an order which was canceled by somebody else … We’ll take this opportunity," said while addressing the induction ceremony at the Dhaka airport.
“Our forex reserve is strong now and buying two new aircraft will not be a problem,” she added.
Speaking to Bangla Tribune, a Biman official, who was part of the Biman team which went to Seatle to fly 'Rajhangsa' home, said Boeing proposed to sell two 787-9 Dreamliners, which were, in fact, built for China’s Hainan Airlines. The Chinese airlines canceled its order amid the US-China trade war.


According to the official, buying new Dreamliners will benefit Biman as training for pilots and engineers will not be be required.
Besides, it will also save time as delivery of new aircraft requires quite some time after an order is placed, said the official, who wishes to go unnamed.
In 2008, Biman Bangladesh Airlines signed a $2.1 billion agreement with Boeing to purchase 10 new aircraft. 'Rajhangsa' is the last one of its order, which flew home on Sept 12 this year. The national flag carrier, currently, has 16 aircraft in its fleet.
Sources at Biman said the civil aviation ministry informed the prime minister about Boeing's proposal and she agreed.

A 787-9 Dreamliner now costs nearly Tk 25 billion, which may vary a bit depending on the deal signed, say industry insiders.
The civil aviation ministry, however, said Biman is yet to receive a formal proposal from the US aircraft manufacturer.
“We will discuss the prices once a proposal is forwarded. Everything will be finalised then,” Civil Aviation Secretary Md Muhibul Haque told Bangla Tribune.