In a bold diplomatic push, envoys from the EU, France, Germany, and the UK have united to back Airbus’s proposal for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, terming it a major step to boost 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 Séré-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 Séré-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 4 A320neo narrow-body aircraft, and Boeing’s offer of 10 787 Dreamliners and 4 737 MAX jets.
But, before completion of the Biman’s evaluation the government apparently announce that it will purchase aircraft from Boing as part of its tariff negotiation with the US Trump Administration. 
The tug of war between the two aviation giants continues for more than two years when the Bangladesh government decided to purchase more wide body planes for the Biman fleet, which currently is dominated by Boeing planes.    
Both the Boeing and Airbus offered for a long-term partnership with Bangladesh to help Dhaka’s desire of turning the country as an aviation hub through providing technology transfer and technical support to its aviation educational institutes.
High officials of both the giant plane manufacturers observed huge aviation market potentials of Bangladesh as it is predicted that the fleet size in Bangladesh is expected to be tripled in next 20 years due to the country’s unpretending economic growth.