Dhaka: Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director and CEO Dr. Md Shafiqur Rahman has dismissed the allegations of political motivation behind the decision of procuring 14 Boeing aircraft, emphasizing that the decision was based on operational and commercial demands.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rahman explained that the aircraft procurement decision followed detailed assessments of fleet compatibility, maintenance support, financing options, delivery schedules, and long-term operational efficiency. The policy-level approval for acquiring the aircraft was granted by the Biman board at the airline’s Annual General Meeting held on December 30, chaired by the Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser, who also serves as the board chairman.
The approval includes the purchase of eight Boeing 787-10 aircraft, two Boeing 787-9s, and four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, subject to price negotiations and financing arrangements. Rahman highlighted Biman’s expansion strategy, which focuses on measured network development aligned with market demand and operational capacity, with particular emphasis on strengthening international operations and expanding capacity on routes with strong diaspora and business demand.
Expansion of the Biman fleet in the Middle East remains a key priority, given the importance of remittance flows, transit passengers, and cargo movement. New routes will be introduced in phases following commercial viability assessments and careful fleet planning.
Rahman also addressed his achievements, stating that restoring financial discipline and operational stability during challenging times in the global aviation sector are among his most significant accomplishments. He emphasized the importance of achieving sustained profitability, maintaining uninterrupted operations, improving aircraft utilization, and strengthening internal controls.
In response to criticism over higher fares and low passenger loads in the past, Rahman attributed earlier challenges to syndicate practices in ticket sales, which led to artificial price hikes and reduced transparency. He noted that Biman has since ensured transparent online ticketing, improved revenue management, and adjusted flight frequencies.
Biman’s recent record profits are attributed to long-term measures, including strict cost control, improved fleet utilization, route rationalization, and stronger revenue management. Support from the Board of Directors and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism was also instrumental. Rahman detailed efforts to optimize fuel consumption, renegotiate service contracts, reduce avoidable operational losses, and strengthen financial oversight, all contributing to the airline’s turnaround.
Addressing jet fuel liabilities, Rahman described the dues as a legacy issue accumulated over many years. Biman is pursuing a structured repayment approach without affecting day-to-day operations, currently repaying Taka 25 crore per month while purchasing fuel on a cash basis.
Regarding the resumption of direct Dhaka-Karachi flights, Rahman highlighted that nonstop services would save time and money for passengers by eliminating long transits at Dubai, Doha, and Sharjah, reducing journey time from up to 13 hours or more to around four to four-and-a-half hours.
Airline officials stated that the revived Dhaka-Karachi service will initially operate on a trial basis from January 29 to March 30 as a ‘strategic observation,’ during which passenger demand, load factors, and commercial performance will be assessed before deciding on permanence or frequency increase. Biman previously suspended the service on this route in 2012 due to sustained losses and low passenger numbers, with the cautious resumption reflecting lessons learned from past experience.