Talks on Biman-Airbus deal still ongoing: French envoy

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet today said negotiations over a proposed Airbus aircraft purchase by Biman Bangladesh Airlines are still ongoing, as France seeks to deepen its long-term cooperation with Bangladesh.

“Biman has chosen Airbus for technical reasons, not for political reasons,” he said at a discussion organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) in Dhaka.

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The ambassador placed the proposed aircraft purchase within the broader context of long-term cooperation between Bangladesh and Europe.

He also said France expected a fair and level playing field for European companies competing in Bangladesh, an expectation shared by other European countries.

His remarks come as Biman considers a major fleet expansion involving aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus.

The Daily Star reported on September 16 that Biman was preparing agreements for 21 additional aircraft -- 11 Boeing jets and 10 Airbus planes. The proposed Airbus package comprises four A350-900s and six A321neos.

Séré-Charlet has previously called for greater cooperation between Bangladesh and France, while stressing the need for fair competition in the country's aviation sector.

At today's discussion, he also said France was ready to further strengthen bilateral relations on the basis of mutual interests, including in trade, aviation, education, technology and climate action.