New York:Biman Bangladesh Airlines is set to sign a significant agreement with Boeing to acquire 11 additional aircraft. This event coincides with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the signing is scheduled for 4:15 pm local time on Wednesday at the Prime Minister's residence, with senior officials from both Bangladesh and the United States present. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen expressed his congratulations to both Boeing and Biman for the agreement, noting it as a positive development for US-Bangladesh relations.
In April, Bangladesh had already made a major deal with Boeing to purchase 14 planes for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, valued at $3.7 billion. The new agreement for 11 more aircraft is seen as part of a strategic expansion without any external pressure, emphasizing the country's demand to enhance its aviation capabilities, according to State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir.
Biman Chairman Rumee A Hossain is expected to sign on behalf of the national airline. The signing ceremony will be attended by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat and other key officials. Following the ceremony, Boeing's Senior Vice President Dr Brendan Nelson is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Rahman.
The US delegation will include prominent figures such as US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who will deliver remarks at the ceremony. The deal will further expand Biman's fleet following the previous agreement for 14 Boeing planes.