French envoy seeks ‘level playing field’ for airbus in Bangladesh

France wants a 'level playing field' for airbus in Bangladesh as discussions continue over the purchase of aircraft by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, said French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet on Tuesday.

Speaking at a DCAB Talk organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Jatiya Press Club, the ambassador said Biman remains interested in airbus and negotiations over the potential purchase are still underway.

He said Biman had expressed interest in airbus aircraft several years ago following technical evaluations and discussions based on the airline’s priorities.

According to the ambassador, having airbus aircraft in Biman’s fleet would offer operational advantages, while maintaining a mixed fleet of airbus and Boeing aircraft would allow the airline to compare the strengths of both manufacturers.

“You don’t have to depend on one single company. You can compare the advantages of both and choose.''

The French envoy also cited technical considerations behind Biman’s interest in airbus, saying one Airbus aircraft is capable of flying nonstop from Dhaka to the US East Coast.

He stressed that Biman’s interest in Airbus was based on “very logical and technical reasons”, rather than political considerations.

“Hundreds of airlines around the world use airbus, so there was no doubt or mistake in Biman’s decision.''

The ambassador also acknowledged that Boeing had managed to secure some aircraft sales to Biman, with deliveries expected around 2031 or 2035, describing that as a commercial matter.

However, he said Biman had not abandoned its interest in airbus.

“Biman Bangladesh Airlines still maintains its interest in airbus, and discussions are still ongoing,” he said.

Asked about the prolonged negotiations, Séré-Charlet said such deals naturally take time and that France wants the process to be completed carefully.

“We want the discussions to be concluded in the best and most perfect way, so that nobody can later say there was a mistake or that we have to start all over again,” he added.

While acknowledging that the process could take time, the ambassador expressed confidence that the negotiations were moving in the right direction and would produce a positive outcome.