Bangladesh Biman signed an agreement yesterday with China Southern Airlines to get two Boeing-777-200 aircraft on lease to ferry Hajj pilgrims.

Biman officials said the planes would be available by March 10. providing it the much-needed bailout to ferry- an estimated 18.000 to 20.000 pilgrims. The wide-bodied aircraft are capable of carrying 380 passengers each.

A botched agreement with a US Operator through its local agent. said to be an influential person s son. landed Biman in rough waters, forcing it to divert its aircraft from international flights to carry the pilgrims.

The US operator. Air Chartered World, had earlier promised to provide Biman with the same aircraft from China Southern, but backed out at the last minute without giving any Satisfactory explanation. Biman officials described it as a breach of contract.

Details of yesterday's agreement with the Chinese airline. the first direct signing by Birnan with an airline, were not immediately available.