Four European envoys back Airbus proposal for Biman
An event “European Dialogue on Bangladesh Aviation Growth,” was held at the French Embassy in Dhaka. Photo : Collected
DHAKA, Nov 4, 2025 (BSS) – 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 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,” 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.