The ambassadors and high commissioners of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the European Union in Dhaka on Tuesday emphasised the importance of introducing Airbus aircraft -- produced by the European aerospace giant Airbus -- into Biman Bangladesh Airlines' fleet to further strengthen Bangladesh's growing aviation industry.
At a programme titled "European Dialogue on Bangladesh Aviation Growth" held at the French-German Embassy in Dhaka, they said introducing Airbus aircraft as part of a diversified fleet alongside existing models would enhance Biman's flexibility, resilience, and competitiveness.
The four ambassadors, along with senior Airbus officials, expressed their commitment to establishing a long-term partnership to support Bangladesh's aviation ecosystem -- covering pilot and engineer training, maintenance operations, and the transfer of industrial expertise -- to help strengthen Biman's operational capabilities and human resources.
French Ambassador Jean-Marc Sere-Charlet said that, given Bangladesh's rising connectivity needs and strategic geographic location, the country has all the ingredients to become a regional aviation hub, and Europe stands ready to support this ambition through Airbus.
"With its European heritage, vision, and tailored solutions for Bangladesh's aviation sector, Airbus represents a credible, sustainable, and forward-looking choice to help realise the country's aviation ambitions," he said.
"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."
German Ambassador Rüdiger Lotz noted that, with Bangladesh's growing economy and expanding middle class, Biman now requires modern, environmentally friendly aircraft -- and Airbus is well positioned to provide them.
British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke reiterated the UK government's continued support for Bangladesh's economic growth and its aspiration to become a regional aviation hub.
EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Bangladesh Michael Miller also highlighted the importance of strengthening trade partnerships between the European Union and Bangladesh.
Rafael Gomez Noya, Airbus chief representative for Bangladesh, and Monal Shesh, head of marketing for Asia and South Asia, presented insights on Bangladesh's aviation growth potential and reaffirmed the company's ongoing engagement with Biman and the government.
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