European envoys lobby for Airbus inclusion in Biman fleet
"With increasing connectivity needs and a strategic geographic position, Bangladesh has all the ingredients to become a regional aviation hub," said Jean‑Marc Séré‑Charlet, ambassador‑designate of France
Core message from European envoys:
- Airbus inclusion to ensure a diversified fleet for Biman
- It will enhance Biman's flexibility, resilience, and competitiveness
- Airbus offer is 'strongly backed by all four European countries'
- EU operators should not be treated 'less favourably than other trading partners'
Ambassadors and High Commissioners from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the European Union in Dhaka have jointly urged Biman Bangladesh Airlines to introduce Airbus aircraft into its fleet, arguing that diversification is key to enhancing the national carrier's flexibility, resilience, and competitiveness.
The call came during an event titled "European Dialogue on Bangladesh Aviation Growth," organised by Airbus at the Franco-German Embassy in Dhaka yesterday.
"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," Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, Ambassador-designate of France, said.
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He said, "I can 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."
As Bangladesh emerges as a key aviation player in the region, Europe is ready to support this journey through Airbus, Séré-Charlet said.
The diplomatic push is a direct response to the ongoing rivalry between the US-based Boeing and Europe's Airbus for Biman's major 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 aircraft, and Boeing's offer of 10 787 Dreamliners and four 737 MAX jets.
As part of the negotiations with the United States over the reciprocal tariff on exports, the interim government has decided to buy 25 aircraft from Boeing.
However, at the event, German Ambassador in Dhaka 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 reiterated the UK government's continued commitment to supporting Bangladesh's economic growth and its aspiration to become a regional aviation hub.
EU envoy stresses fair competition, transparency in trade ties
The European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller highlighted the deep trade relationship between the two partners and called for transparency and a level playing field for European companies operating in Bangladesh.
"The European Union is by far Bangladesh's largest export market. In 2024, trade in goods between the EU and Bangladesh reached €22.2 billion, with a trade deficit of €17.5 billion for the EU – a gap that far exceeds Bangladesh's deficit with any other region," the ambassador said.
We anticipate a level playing field – meaning EU operators should not be treated less favourably than other trading partners. ….. Michael Miller European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh
Looking ahead, he reaffirmed the EU's commitment to ensuring a smooth transition as Bangladesh graduates from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.
The envoy also said that the forthcoming Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and the GSP framework together provide an opportunity to explore new horizons in EU-Bangladesh relations.
"We call on Bangladesh to recognise this partnership and to ensure transparency in our future engagements. In short, we request that our economic operators be allowed to compete based on commercial merit," Miller noted.
He emphasised the importance of fair treatment for European businesses. "We anticipate a level playing field – meaning EU operators should not be treated less favourably than other trading partners."
Highlighting the aviation industry as a strategic priority for the EU in Bangladesh, the ambassador said, "The European aviation sector holds key significance for us, and in this regard, I want to clearly call for the inclusion of Airbus in Biman's upcoming fleet renewal plans, in line with Bangladesh's long-standing assurances of transparency and non-discrimination."
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.
Airbus's long push
Executive Vice President of Airbus Wouter van Wersch called on Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus at his hotel in London on 10 June and expressed the aviation giant's eagerness to build a long-term partnership with Bangladesh.
"We have identified Bangladesh as a key priority country," Wersch told the chief adviser, adding that the company was keen to build a partnership with Biman and make it profitable.
French President Emmanuel Macron, after a meeting with the then prime minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka in September 2023, thanked Bangladesh for its commitment concerning the acquisition of 10 aircraft from Airbus.
