French envoy seeks ‘level playing field’ for airbus in Biman procurement

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet has called for a “level playing field” for Airbus as Biman Bangladesh Airlines considers adding new aircraft to its fleet, saying talks between the airline and the European manufacturer remain on a positive track.

Speaking at a Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) Talk at the National Press Club on Tuesday (September 22), Séré-Charlet said Biman had previously expressed interest in Airbus aircraft after technical evaluations and discussions over its fleet requirements.

He said fleet diversification could give Biman greater flexibility, allowing it to compare the operational advantages of Airbus and Boeing aircraft rather than relying on a single manufacturer.

He also cited Airbus aircraft capable of flying certain long-haul routes directly from Dhaka as part of the technical rationale for Biman’s interest.

The ambassador said Boeing had also secured business with Biman, with some aircraft expected to be delivered in the 2030s, but stressed that Biman’s discussions with Airbus were continuing.

Séré-Charlet said the negotiations were taking time because both sides wanted to complete the process carefully and avoid mistakes that could require it to be restarted. He declined to disclose details of the technical discussions, saying the contract would ultimately be between Biman and Airbus, not the French government.

“I will certainly insist on a level playing field,” he said.

Bangladesh has indicated that it intends to maintain a mixed fleet. Biman is preparing to expand its fleet with both Boeing and Airbus aircraft, with recent reports saying an Airbus package is also under consideration.