Govt signals interest in Airbus as European envoys back Biman's mixed-fleet plan
European diplomats pledged support for Bangladesh's proposed Airbus acquisition during talks on expanding cooperation in civil aviation and strengthening the country's national carrier.
The government has expressed interest in procuring Airbus aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines as part of efforts to establish a sustainable mixed fleet, with European diplomats pledging support for the initiative.
The issue was discussed at a courtesy meeting today (15 July) between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat and representatives of France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and the European Union at the civil aviation ministry, according to a press release.
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and the European Union and its member states, with particular emphasis on the development of Bangladesh's civil aviation sector.
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During the discussions, the minister and the state minister said the government is interested in acquiring Airbus aircraft for the national carrier in order to build a balanced and sustainable fleet while safeguarding the country's national interests. European representatives, in turn, assured Bangladesh of their full cooperation over the proposed acquisition.
The meeting also reaffirmed the commitment of Bangladesh and the European Union to deepen their longstanding partnership and expand cooperation across a range of sectors, including civil aviation.
Airbus revises proposal
The discussions come as European aerospace manufacturer Airbus has submitted a revised fleet proposal to Biman, reducing its earlier offer to 10 aircraft after the airline signed a multibillion-dollar agreement with Boeing earlier this year.
According to Airbus and Biman officials, the company recently presented a new proposal to Biman's techno-finance committee comprising four A350-900 wide-body aircraft and six A321neo narrow-body jets.
The revised proposal follows Biman's $3.7 billion agreement with Boeing, signed on 30 April, to purchase 14 aircraft, including eight Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and four Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
Industry insiders said Airbus had scaled back its original proposal in a strategic effort to remain in contention for Bangladesh's long-term fleet expansion programme.
Earlier proposals reportedly included 14 aircraft comprising 10 A350 wide-body jets and four A320neo narrow-body aircraft.
The A321neo, an extended variant of the A320neo family, has a seating capacity of approximately 180 to 220 passengers.
Airbus's renewed proposal comes as the government reviews a long-term roadmap to expand Biman's fleet to 47 aircraft by FY2034-35 as part of efforts to modernise the state-owned airline and transform Bangladesh into a regional aviation and cargo hub.
Diplomats from several European countries, including France, the United Kingdom and Germany, have been encouraging Bangladesh to consider Airbus aircraft within a balanced and competitive procurement process.
The European manufacturer gained momentum in 2023 following high-level diplomatic engagement surrounding French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Bangladesh, as well as references in a Bangladesh-UK joint statement concerning the possible acquisition of 10 Airbus A350 aircraft, including freighter variants.
Biman currently operates a fleet of 19 aircraft, 14 of which are manufactured by Boeing.
