The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Biman Bangladesh Airlines Ltd. will procure eight new generation aircraft with US$ 1.265 billion to make the national flag carrier a viable and profitable organisation.

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser in charge of the Ministries of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Youth and Sports and Industries Mahbub Jamil stated this at a press conference in the conference room of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism here on Monday.

Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Syed Mohammad Jubaier and Managing Director of Biman Dr Abdul Momen were present.

Mahbub Jamil said Exim Bank-USA and a consortium of local banks will provide the fund to procure the aircraft, which is the first venture of Biman to buy any aircraft without public money.

He said the Exim Bank will provide 85 per cent of the total fund at six-percent interest rate and the rest of 15-percent money will be available from the local consortium.

The special assistant said Bangladesh Biman would sign a memorandum of understanding with the Boeing manufacturer and supplying company on March 15 next. The final agreement in this regard will be signed on April 15, he said.