DHAKA, Aug 20, 2025 (BSS) – National flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines has achieved the highest-ever profit in its 55-year history, posting an unaudited profit of Tk 937 crore in the fiscal year 2024-25.

“This landmark reflects Biman’s transformation into a modern and competitive airline while upholding national pride,” Biman Managing Director and CEO Dr Md Shafiqur Rahman told BSS today.

He attributed the milestone to efficient resource management, effective strategies, and continuous improvements in passenger services, while expressing gratitude to passengers and customers for their trust and support.

Rahman noted that increased web sales – driven by the removal of international selling restrictions, effective promotional campaigns, and greater credit card transactions – reduced Global Distribution System (GDS) costs contributed significantly to the profit.

He added that the government’s restriction on ticket reservations beyond 72 hours had also curbed malpractice, ensuring higher seat occupancy. 

“The allegation of flights leaving with empty seats is no longer the norm. We have taken departmental action to improve our sales operations,” he said.

According to Biman, the latest figure more than doubled its previous highest profit of Tk 440 crore in 2021-22. 

The airline earned Tk 11,631.37 crore in revenue in FY 2024-25, continuing the momentum of FY 2023-24 when it crossed Tk 10,000 crore revenue for the first time. Since its inception in 1972, Biman has recorded profit in 26 years.

The airline said since its conversion into a public limited company in 2007, it has accumulated a total profit of Tk 589 crore over 18 years, a sign of its long-term stability despite global aviation challenges.

Biman currently operates a fleet of 21 aircraft, including four Boeing 777-300ERs, four Boeing 787-8s, two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, six Boeing 737s, and five Dash 8-400s. 

Its in-house maintenance capability, covering everything from line maintenance to major checks, has helped ensure cost savings, faster service, and adherence to international safety standards.

In FY 2024-25, Biman carried 3.4 million passengers and 43,918 tonnes of cargo, with its cabin factor rising to 82 percent. In January 2025, the airline also achieved its highest-ever monthly ticket sales.

Rahman said a Special Prorate Agreement (SPA) with ITA Airways has already boosted sales in Italy and other European cities. “After the agreement, Biman passengers can now travel to all Italian destinations and major European cities from Rome via ITA under the interline arrangement,” he explained.

Biman’s MD further revealed that a comprehensive SPA with Turkish Airlines and another with Hainan Airlines are in progress. 

Additionally, he said, Biman is preparing to launch a business-to-business (B2B) travel agent portal and expand credit card acceptance in markets such as Italy, Canada, the UK, and Japan.

“Once these initiatives are fully implemented, sales and revenue will increase even further,” Rahman asserted.

Aviation experts have lauded Biman in recent years for modernizing its fleet, expanding profitable international routes, and improving customer service. 

The airline noted that under the interim government, prudent financial control, efficient resource allocation, and timely decision-making by the new management played a pivotal role in achieving the record profit.

Looking ahead, Rahman said Biman plans to expand routes to popular destinations, accelerate digital transformation in passenger services, and strengthen its cargo operations.

“Our vision is to become a leading airline in South Asia while upholding the highest standards of service, reliability, and safety,” he added.

Biman currently flies to nearly 25 international destinations including Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Dammam, Delhi, Doha, Dubai, Guangzhou, Jeddah, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, London, Manchester, Medina, Muscat, Toronto, Riyadh, Sharjah, and Singapore.