[🇧🇩] Aviation Industry in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Govt 'signals interest' in Airbus amid EU lobbying

After sealing a Boeing deal, the government has “signalled interest” in adding Airbus aircraft to Biman's fleet following sustained European lobbying. On Wednesday, ambassadors and representatives from the UK, France, Germany, Spain and the European Union met Civil Aviation Minister Af

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Govt 'signals interest' in Airbus amid EU lobbying

After sealing a Boeing deal, the government has “signalled interest” in adding Airbus aircraft to Biman's fleet following sustained European lobbying.

On Wednesday, ambassadors and representatives from the UK, France, Germany, Spain and the European Union met Civil Aviation Minister Afroza Khanam and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, bdnews24.com reports.

The ministry said Afroza and Rashiduzzaman had expressed interest in purchasing Airbus aircraft “to build a sustainable mixed fleet while safeguarding national interests”.

On Apr 30, state-owned Biman signed a $3.7 billion deal with Boeing to buy 14 aircraft.

The contest between Boeing and Airbus over Biman's fleet has continued for years.

The Awami League government had planned to buy 10 Airbus aircraft, but the policy shifted after the political changeover on Aug 5, 2024, with the interim administration opting for Boeing instead.

The BNP government, which took office in February this year, also backed Boeing, signing the 14-aircraft deal within two months.

Airbus, however, continued lobbying senior government officials, while European diplomats maintained regular contacts.

Reports in June suggested the government had become receptive to Airbus.

According to the ministry, Wednesday's meeting focused on expanding Biman's fleet with Airbus aircraft, while the European delegation pledged full cooperation.

The two sides also discussed strengthening Bangladesh's bilateral ties with the EU and cooperation in civil aviation.

French President Emmanuel Macron had announced during his 2023 Dhaka visit that Bangladesh had committed to buying 10 Airbus aircraft.

Before Boeing secured its order, European diplomats jointly highlighted Bangladesh's longstanding trade ties with Europe and duty-free market access.

Despite the latest shift, questions remain over whether aircraft purchases driven by diplomatic pressure rather than Biman's own operational assessment will prove commercially viable.

Biman currently operates 19 aircraft, including 14 Boeing jets and five Dash 8-400 turboprops.

No detailed plan has yet been disclosed on how the airline would manage a mixed fleet.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh to buy both Boeing, Airbus jets to expand Biman fleet

Bangladesh has decided to purchase both Boeing and Airbus aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines as part of fleet expansion with mixed aircraft, keeping national interests protected. “We have to take country’s civil aviation sector to new heights. We have to purchase whatever we need.

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh to buy both Boeing, Airbus jets to expand Biman fleet

Bangladesh has decided to purchase both Boeing and Airbus aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines as part of fleet expansion with mixed aircraft, keeping national interests protected.

“We have to take country’s civil aviation sector to new heights. We have to purchase whatever we need. We need Boeing, we need Airbus (aircraft), too. We will purchase both,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.

She said the government is committed to strengthening the country’s civil aviation sector while pursuing prudent economic management.

“The Prime Minister inherited a fragile economy from the previous governments. To put the economy on a stronger footing, we need to exercise austerity on the one hand, while also purchasing what the country requires. We need both Boeing and Airbus. We will buy both,” the state minister said.

She said Bangladesh does not give preferential treatment to any particular country. “Absolutely not,” she said when asked whether any country was receiving greater preference.

“The interests of Bangladesh are always given top priority when it comes to investment,” Shama Obaed added.

Bangladesh has reportedly expressed its interest in procuring Airbus aircraft to develop a sustainable mixed fleet for the national flag carrier while protecting the country’s strategic interests.

The issue was also discussed between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, and ambassadors and senior diplomats representing France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and the European Union at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism on Wednesday.

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.

The French ambassador has recently underlined the importance of ensuring a fair and level playing field to encourage greater engagement by European companies in Bangladesh’s aviation sector.

He emphasised the commitment of European aerospace leader Airbus to supporting the growth of Bangladesh’s aviation industry.

The issues were discussed when he met Chairman of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Rumee A Hossain last week to discuss opportunities for strengthening cooperation in the civil aviation sector.​