EU urges inclusion of Airbus in Biman’s fleet plan
European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller. File Photo
DHAKA, Nov 4, 2025 (BSS) – The European Union (EU) today urged Bangladesh to
ensure transparency and fair competition in major procurement decisions,
particularly regarding the inclusion of Airbus in Biman Bangladesh Airlines’
fleet renewal plans, to maintain a level playing field for European
companies.
“In this regard, I want to clearly call for the inclusion of Airbus in the
fleet renewal plans of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, in line with Bangladesh’s
long-standing assurances of transparency and non-discrimination,” EU
Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller said.
He made the remark while speaking at the “European Dialogue on Bangladesh
Aviation Growth” held at the Franco-German Embassy in Dhaka today which was
also attended by Ambassador-designate of France Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet,
British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, German Ambassador Dr. Rüdiger Lotz.
In his address, ambassador Miller underscored the evolving trade and
investment relationship between the EU and Bangladesh, highlighting the
bloc’s long-standing support for the modernization and diversification of
Bangladesh’s economy.
“We have done this by providing preferential access to the EU market under
the ‘Everything But Arms (EBA)’ initiative, offering development cooperation
and expertise, and supporting both public and private investment under the
EU’s Global Gateway strategy,” he said.
Miller noted that the EU and Bangladesh are close to concluding negotiations
on an upgraded Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, adding that such
frameworks reflect the EU’s “role as a reliable partner for Bangladesh,
helping drive export success, economic growth, and job creation”.
The envoy said that the EU remains Bangladesh’s largest export market, with
bilateral trade in goods reaching €22.2 billion in 2024, and encouraged
Bangladesh to apply for GSP+ status for continued preferential access tied to
commitments on sustainability and good governance.
He also stressed the need for transparency and reciprocity in future economic
relations, saying, “We anticipate a level playing field, meaning that EU
operators must not be treated less favourably than other trading partners.”
Turning to aviation, the ambassador described the European aviation industry
as a strategic priority for the EU’s engagement in Bangladesh and echoed his
fellow European envoys’ views on the vast potential of Bangladesh’s aviation
sector, asserting that the EU “must have its place at this table.”
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 B787 Dreamliners and four B737 Max jets.