Airbus eyes long-term aviation deal with Bangladesh

European aviation giant Airbus is keen to establish a long-term partnership with Bangladesh to ensure a sustainable aviation industry in the country.

"Bangladesh's economic progress is enviable. Bangladesh's aviation industry is a promising sector. We want to establish a long-term partnership with Bangladesh to ensure a sustainable aviation industry," said Wouter van Wersch, executive vice president of Airbus International, during a meeting with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan at the secretariat on Wednesday (15 May).

"Airbus is interested in providing various types of technical assistance as well as training support for the development of human resources of all types of workers involved in the aviation industry. We are working to establish a strategic partnership with the Bangladesh Aviation University for this purpose," Wersch said.

He added that Airbus wants to be a proud partner in transforming Bangladesh into an aviation hub.

Aviation Minister Faruk said, "The aviation industry is not just about aeroplanes or airports. One of the most important parts of this is skilled human resources. We are prioritising creating skilled human resources and providing them with regular and proper training.

"We want to increase the capacity of [aviation-related] educational institutions so that all training related to the industry can be provided in Bangladesh in the future. Airbus has the opportunity to work here."

The minister further said that work is underway to transform Bangladesh into a major aviation hub under the prime minister's directive.

"In addition to ensuring the development of all airports across the country, work is in progress on various issues, including the expansion of the fleet of the state-owned airline, the development of human resources and the improvement of the security system," he said.

"We have started the process of buying new aircraft to expand the fleet of state-owned airline Biman Bangladesh. As part of this, Airbus has already submitted its proposal. A committee has been formed to evaluate the proposal. Subsequent steps will be taken after receiving the report," Faruk added.

The minister further added that Boeing has also submitted its proposal and it will also be evaluated with due process.

Marie Masdupuy, ambassador of France to Bangladesh, and Sarah Cooke, high commissioner of the United Kingdom to Bangladesh, were present at the meeting.

Benoit Nalin, current country director for Thales in Bangladesh, Philippines and Sri Lanka, met with the minister after the Airbus delegation.

During the meeting, Nalin expressed his interest in providing technical assistance to Bangladesh in air traffic management, ILS system improvement and smart airport management, as well as helping to develop the skills of workers involved in this work