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.