French Ambassador in Dhaka Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet today described Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ pending decision on procuring Airbus aircraft as "a good test for the (Bangladesh) present government," insisting on a level playing field amidst reports that the national flag carrier is set to sign an agreement for 11 additional Boeing aircraft in New York tomorrow.

Speaking to the diplomatic correspondents in Dhaka on Tuesday, the French diplomat stressed that technical considerations, rather than political pressure, must guide the airline’s fleet decisions, while reaffirming European confidence in the administration and the national carrier.

"I do insist on a level playing field, and it's still something we, a message we carry to the present authorities because we feel it's necessary," Séré-Charlet said. "I think this is a good test for the present (BNP) government, and we will see, and we have confidence in this government and in Biman".

Highlighting the operational rationale of fleet diversification, Séré-Charlet noted that major airlines globally operate both Airbus and Boeing aircraft to avoid relying on a single manufacturer. He pointed out that the Airbus A350 is currently the only aircraft capable of operating non-stop flights from Dhaka to the US East Coast.

"That's why, for very good reasons and technical reasons, Biman has chosen Airbus. Not for political reasons," he emphasised, adding that discussions for a 10-aircraft Airbus package remain active and are progressing well.

He also talked about Bangladesh’s engagement with Europe, including the possibility of a free trade agreement (FTA) and cooperation in the aviation sector.

The Ambassador stressed that France and Europe are not seeking to exclude other countries from Bangladesh. “So we are not in an exclusion mode.”

He said the European Union has signed FTAs with several countries but Bangladesh has yet to be included in that group.

“We have signed FTAs with many countries. Vietnam, India, Australia, Canada, not Bangladesh. You are not on the map,” he said.

“So if you want to be more on the map, if you want Europe to engage, you have to show the interest of engaging in the long term partnership. That's why Airbus matters,” the envoy added.

Impending Boeing signing in New York

The envoy’s comments come on the eve of Biman’s scheduled signing of an agreement with US aerospace giant Boeing on Wednesday, September 23, for 11 additional aircraft on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat is scheduled to sign the deal at 4:15 pm New York time (2:15 am Thursday Bangladesh time), in the presence of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir. Following the ceremony, Boeing Global President Dr. Brendan Nelson is slated to call on the Prime Minister.

Biman's Boeing commitments

Wednesday’s agreement will expand Biman’s planned acquisitions from Boeing to 25 aircraft, building upon a landmark $3.7 billion deal signed on April 30, 2026, for 14 aircraft—comprising eight 787-10 Dreamliners, two 787-9s, and four 737-8 MAX jets. Deliveries for the April order are scheduled between 2031 and 2035.

Speculation over an additional Boeing order intensified late last month when US Special Envoy Sergio Gor posted on social media that US President Donald Trump and PM Rahman had reached "another incredible Deal". President Trump subsequently sent an official White House letter to Prime Minister Rahman on August 31 expressing appreciation for the decision.

While Bangladeshi ministries initially issued conflicting statements regarding Gor's announcement, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam confirmed on September 20 that the Prime Minister’s UNGA schedule remained fluid, keeping the door open for the New York signing. The expanded Boeing commitments have also unfolded alongside broader trade discussions, following negotiations that saw US reciprocal tariffs on Bangladeshi goods reduced from 37% down to 19%.

The stalled Airbus package & European trade ties

Alongside its Boeing commitments, Biman has been evaluating a separate proposal to acquire 10 Airbus aircraft—four A350-900 widebody jets and six A321neo narrowbody aircraft. Although an earlier Biman “written commitment” date of August 31 passed without a signature, Séré-Charlet assured that negotiations were moving forward following recent meetings with Airbus representatives.

Beyond fleet composition, the French ambassador underscored the broader economic context, framing the Airbus package as a gateway to a long-term civil aviation partnership with Europe. Reminding authorities of Europe's role as Bangladesh's primary export destination, Séré-Charlet noted that 48% of Bangladesh’s garment exports go to Europe, compared to 17% to the United States.

If both the 25-aircraft Boeing plan and the 10-aircraft Airbus package materialise, Biman’s future acquisition pipeline will stand at 35 aircraft, representing a major expansion for a carrier currently operating a fleet of 19 planes.