Biman’s Airbus choice driven by business, technical needs, not politics: French Envoy

Dhaka: Biman Bangladesh Airlines' decision to choose Airbus was driven by business and technical considerations rather than political factors, said French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet.

“That's why, for very good reasons and technical reasons, Biman has chosen Airbus,” he said at the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) Talk at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital on September 22.

The French envoy said negotiations between Biman and Airbus over the proposed aircraft purchase were continuing, expressing confidence that an agreement would be signed in due course.

“Biman maintained its interest with Airbus, and discussions are still going on. We know it may take some time, because we want discussions to be done in the best manner possible,” he said.

The ambassador declined to disclose details of the technical negotiations, saying the proposed deal was between Biman and Airbus.

He expressed confidence in the ongoing negotiations, describing them as progressing well, and said he was not concerned about the time required to conclude the agreement.

“It's an Airbus contract, which will come, in due time, with Airbus signing with Biman. So I'm not worried at all,” he said.

The envoy described the negotiations as a test for the present government but said there was no reason for concern, adding that the outcome would become clear in the coming days.

His remarks came amid Bangladesh's broader aircraft procurement plans, including a separate agreement with Boeing.