Airbus would be key partner for BD's aviation: Envoy

Ambassador-designate of France to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet on Tuesday said Airbus would be an important partner for Bangladesh’s aviation sector, which is today entering a decisive phase.

"With increasing connectivity needs, and a strategic geographic position, Bangladesh has all the ingredients to become a regional aviation hub," he said.

In this context, the envoy said Airbus has presented a comprehensive and competitive solution to Biman Bangladesh in order to accompany this transformation.

German Ambassador Rüdiger Lotz, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke and European Union Ambassador Michael Miller- and aviation journalists engaged in a European Dialogue on Bangladesh’s Aviation Growth at the Franco-German Embassy, highlighting the positive role that Airbus intends to play in the development of the sector.

Airbus’ proposal aims to contribute to Bangladesh’s rapidly expanding aviation industry and to further strengthen the long-standing ties of friendship and cooperation between the European Union and Bangladesh.

Introducing Airbus aircraft as part of a diversified fleet alongside existing models would certainly bring greater flexibility, resilience, and competitiveness to Biman, an advantage already demonstrated by airlines around the world, said the French Ambassador.

He said the Airbus offer is strongly backed by all four European countries that are part of the multinational company. "Our respective Export Credit Agencies already expressed their interest in supporting this deal."

France and Europe are also committed to play a role in establishing a long-term partnership for supporting the Bangladeshi aviation ecosystem as a whole, said the French envoy.

"Meaning pilot and engineer training, maintenance operations, and the transfer of industrial expertise, all aimed at strengthening Biman’s operational capabilities and human capital," he said.

The envoy underlined a key message: "We want to work together: As Bangladesh emerges as a key aviation player in the region, Europe is willing to accompany this journey through Airbus."

He recently arrived as the new Ambassador of France and is preparing to present his letters of credence, marking the beginning of his official mission in Bangladesh.

The envoy said France enjoys a long-standing partnership with Bangladesh, built over decades on mutual respect.

He said Bangladesh’s rapid growth and strategic location in the Indo-Pacific region, at a pivotal location between South Asia and Southeast-Asia, present tremendous opportunities for collaboration with France and Europe.

"It is precisely within this context of shared ambition and partnership that Airbus stands out, and that France and Europe fully support its engagement in the country," he said.

With its heritage in Europe, the envoy said its vision and solutions for Bangladesh’s aviation sector, Airbus represents a credible, sustainable, and forward-looking choice to help realize the country’s aviation ambitions.

"Airbus stands at the very heart of the French and European aeronautics industry," he said, noting that the combination of technical mastery and innovation is what makes Airbus not only a symbol of European industrial excellence, but also a trusted partner to airlines worldwide.