Boeing, Biman Bangladesh Announce 737-800 Order

WASHINGTON, June 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Biman Bangladesh Airlines today announced an order for two Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s, with purchase rights for two additional 737s. Today's signing ceremony, held at the U.S. Department of Commerce, was attended by dignitaries from Bangladesh and the United States and also celebrated Biman's selection of an all-Boeing jet fleet for its future operations.

"Today marks a progressive step forward for Biman," said Dr. M. A. Momen, managing director and CEO of Biman. "Our fleet consolidation with Boeing airplanes is based upon a partnership that combines aircraft efficiency, reliability and in-service support to maximize our competitiveness -- something we need to drive forward to be an instrumental part of the country's economic growth and development."

Biman recently announced an order for four 777-300ERs and four 787-8s with purchase rights for four more of each model type. The airline currently connects Bangladesh with 18 countries around the world, and has agreements in place that will allow it to serve a total of 42 countries as it implements its growth plan.

"Boeing is committed to working closely to help airlines in developing nations grow in the most efficient way possible, and our product line reflects that commitment," said Marty Bentrott, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales for the Middle East & Africa. "We look forward to working closely with Biman Bangladesh over the long term as it capitalizes on traffic growth driven by the country's expanding economy."

Biman Bangladesh Airlines, which began as a government-owned national carrier in 1972, became Bangladesh's largest public limited company in 2007. The purchase of Boeing airplanes represents the largest capital expenditure in the country's history.

One hundred fifteen customers have ordered more than 4,800 Next-Generation 737s. Boeing has more than 2,200 unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737 valued at more than $160 billion at current list prices.