Bangladesh today expressed its interest in procuring Airbus aircraft to develop a sustainable mixed fleet for Biman Bangladesh Airlines while safeguarding national interests, seeking closer cooperation with European partners in modernising the country's aviation sector.

The issue came up during a courtesy meeting between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, MP, State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, and ambassadors and senior diplomats representing France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and the European Union at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism today.

The meeting was attended by French Ambassador Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Sistiaga, German Chargé d'Affaires Anja Tersten and Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Baiba Zerin.

During the discussions, the minister and the state minister conveyed the government's interest in acquiring Airbus aircraft as part of Biman Bangladesh Airlines' future fleet development strategy.

They said the government intends to build a sustainable mixed fleet while ensuring that Bangladesh's national interests remain fully protected.

The European representatives welcomed Bangladesh's interest and reiterated their commitment to extending all necessary cooperation regarding the proposed Airbus acquisition and broader aviation collaboration.

The two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening the longstanding friendship and expanding the multifaceted partnership between Bangladesh, the European Union and its member states.

They also held extensive discussions on enhancing cooperation in Bangladesh's civil aviation sector, with particular focus on the national flag carrier's fleet expansion programme.

The meeting also explored opportunities to deepen Bangladesh-Europe cooperation in the civil aviation sector as the government moves forward with its plans to modernise Biman's fleet and strengthen the country's air transport infrastructure.