Four European envoys back Airbus proposal for Biman
In a strong diplomatic move, envoys from the European Union, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom (UK) have jointly backed Airbus's proposal to supply aircraft to Biman Bangladesh Airlines, calling it a step to strengthen Biman's fleet and Bangladesh's aviation ambitions.
Ambassadors and High Commissioners from the four missions in Dhaka emphasized that introducing Airbus aircraft alongside Biman's existing fleet would enhance the national carrier's "flexibility, resilience, and competitiveness".
The event, titled "European Dialogue on Bangladesh Aviation Growth," was held at the French Embassy in Dhaka, attended by Ambassador-designate of France Jean-Marc S,r,-Charlet, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, German Ambassador Rüdiger Lotz , and EU Ambassador Michael Miller.
"I an assure you that the Airbus offer is strongly backed by all four European countries that are part of the multinational company. Our respective Export Credit Agencies have already expressed their interest in supporting this deal," said Jean-Marc S,r,-Charlet.
He said that France and Europe are also committed to playing a role in establishing a long-term partnership to support Bangladesh's aviation ecosystem as a whole.
"With increasing connectivity needs and a strategic geographic position, Bangladesh has all the ingredients to become a regional aviation hub. In this context, Airbus has presented a comprehensive and competitive solution to Biman Bangladesh Airlines to support this transformation," the envoy observed.
German Ambassador Rüdiger Lotz noted that with Bangladesh's growing economy and emerging middle class, Biman needs "modern, environmentally friendly aircraft," and Airbus is well-positioned to provide them.
British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke reaffirmed the UK government's commitment to supporting Bangladesh's economic growth and its aspiration to become a regional aviation hub.
EU Ambassador Michael Miller also underlined the importance of strengthening trade partnerships between Bangladesh and the European Union.
The envoys expressed their commitment to building a long-term aviation partnership, including training for pilots and engineers, maintenance operations, and industrial expertise transfer-aimed at enhancing Biman's operational capacity and human capital.
Airbus Head of Marketing of India and South Asia Region Monal Shesh and Commercial Sales Director Rafael Gomez Noya also presented insights on Bangladesh's aviation growth potential and reiterated their engagement with Biman and the government.
An apparent rivalry continues between two global aviation giants-- US-based Boeing and Europe's Airbus-- as both compete for the Bangladesh's national flag carrier, Biman's upcoming aircraft procurement.
Biman's Techno-Financial Committee is currently reviewing two proposals-- Airbus's offer of 10 A350 wide-body and four A320neo narrow-body aircrafts, and Boeing's offer of 10 787 Dreamliners and four 737 MAX jets.