Dhaka:French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet announced that the recent agreement between Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Airbus extends beyond a mere purchase of aircraft, marking the beginning of a significant long-term partnership in aviation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the agreement encompasses the acquisition of ten Airbus aircraft, specifically four A350 wide-body and six A321 narrow-body jets. The French ambassador highlighted that this deal includes a comprehensive support package from Airbus, which will provide training, spare parts, and engineering assistance to ensure the smooth entry of the new aircraft into service.
Séré-Charlet emphasized that Airbus, headquartered in Toulouse, France, is a symbol of European industrial excellence and noted the company's willingness to collaborate with Biman and the Bangladesh government to enhance the broader aviation ecosystem. Potential areas of cooperation include skills development, maintenance, branding, and fleet planning.
The combination of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft is expected to offer Biman greater flexibility and efficiency in its operations. The ambassador lauded Bangladesh's efforts to strengthen its national airline, aiming to better connect the country globally.
The French envoy reiterated the longstanding partnership between France and Bangladesh, founded on mutual respect and shared goals. He expressed France's readiness to support Bangladesh's modernization and growth, particularly in the civil aviation sector.
The agreement was signed by Airbus India and South Asia President and Managing Director Jrgen Westermeier and Biman Board Chairman Rumee A Hossain, in the presence of Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden. This deal, along with separate agreements for 25 Boeing aircraft, increases Biman's planned aircraft acquisitions to a total of 35 jets.