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Published : 06 May 2026, 12:14 AM
European aviation giant Airbus is continuing its efforts to break into the Bangladesh market, despite Biman Bangladesh Airlines signing a massive deal with US competitor Boeing just last week.
On Tuesday, Airbus officials met with the civil aviation minister, state minister, and secretary to express their interest in forming a "mixed fleet" for the national flag carrier.
The move comes after Biman signed a contract on Thursday to purchase 14 aircraft from Boeing for $3.7 billion (approximately Tk 454 billion at an exchange rate of Tk 122.73 per dollar).
Despite this significant commitment, Airbus appears undeterred.
A media statement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism said Airbus Vice President Edward Delahey paid a courtesy call on Civil Aviation Minister Afroza Khanam at the Secretariat on Tuesday morning.
State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Secretary Fahmida Akhter, NDC, and Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director Kaizer Sohel Ahmed were present at the meeting.
During the discussion, Airbus reiterated its interest in integrating its aircraft into Biman’s existing fleet.
"The minister and state minister expressed their determination to work closely with Airbus in the formation of Biman's future fleet," the statement noted.
The race between the two aviation giants has seen dramatic shifts over the last year.
Under the ousted Awami League government, a policy decision was initially made to purchase 10 Airbus aircraft.
During a visit to Dhaka in September 2023, French President Emmanuel Macron had announced that Bangladesh "committed" to buying the planes.
However, the political landscape shifted following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024.
Amid a 35 percent tariff pressure, the interim government announced in July last year its decision to purchase 25 aircraft from Boeing.
As part of that process, the agreement to buy 14 aircraft was signed last Thursday.
