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Published : 15 Jul 2026, 08:20 PM
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.
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.
