This is the first time Biman independently decides to buy any aircraft directly from the manufacturing company without any political and government interference since inception in 1972.
Biman became a public limited company in July, 2007, still 100 percent state-owned.
The eight new aircrafts will cost 1.26 billion dollars. The proposed prices of four 777-300 ER series are $182.17 million, $182.51 million, $183.20 million and $184.01 million.
The other four Boeing 787-8 aircrafts are priced at $132.83 million, $133.53 million, $133.08 million and $133.81 million.
According to the plan, the four Boeing 777-300 ER series will separately join the Biman fleet in 2013 in months of July, August, October and December while the 787-8 Boeings in July, August, October and November of 2017.
Prior to the inclusion of the new aircraft, Biman will take lease of four more Boeing aircrafts, two next year and another two in 2010.
Boeing will also provide advanced training and technical support to Biman pilots. It will assist Bangladesh upgrade the Zia International Airport (ZIA) so that wide-bodied Boeing 777-300 and Boeing 787-8 aircraft can land. It will also help Biman in its marketing.
Biman posted a record loss of more than 120 million dollars for the financial year ending June 2006 and is expected to announce a 100 million dollar loss for the following financial year June 2007.
Civil Aviation Minister Mahbub Jamil told reporters "It’s the first time in Biman’s 35-year history that BIMAN is purchasing an aircraft directly from the manufacturer and it’s being done transparently"
Bangladesh military-backed government took power in January 2007, pledging to clean up the country’s notorious corruption before reinstating democracy later this year.
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