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Bangladesh Expands Boeing Order Amid European Airbus Pressure
Bangladesh’s national airline, Biman, plans to buy 11 more airplanes from Boeing.
This would bring its planned Boeing purchases to 25 planes.
The agreement is expected to be signed in New York on September 24.
The United States welcomed the planned deal.
France is asking Bangladesh to give Airbus a fair chance too.
European officials say aviation cooperation matters because Europe buys a large share of Bangladesh’s clothing exports.
Bangladesh says it has not ruled out buying Airbus planes.
The decision could show how Bangladesh balances its relationship with the United States and its important European markets.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines plans to sign an agreement for 11 additional Boeing aircraft in New York on Thursday, September 24.
The new order would bring Biman’s planned Boeing acquisitions to 25 aircraft.
The 14-aircraft Boeing agreement announced on April 30 was valued at $3.7 billion.
France has urged Bangladesh to provide Airbus with a level playing field as negotiations continue.
The aircraft models, prices, financing arrangements and delivery schedule for the new Boeing order remain undisclosed.
- Who
- Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Boeing, Airbus, the Bangladesh government, and representatives of the United States and France.
- What
- Bangladesh plans to sign an agreement for 11 additional Boeing aircraft while continuing negotiations with Airbus.
- Where
- The agreement is due to be signed in New York during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly.
- When
- The Boeing agreement is expected to be signed on Thursday, September 24; the earlier 14-aircraft agreement was announced on April 30.
- Why
- Bangladesh is expanding Biman’s aircraft fleet, while European officials are seeking a fair opportunity for Airbus and emphasizing Europe’s importance as a major market for Bangladeshi garment exports.
Boeing and United States Position
Airbus and European Position
Aircraft procurement
Boeing and United States Position
Biman is expanding its planned Boeing purchases, and the United States ambassador described the aircraft as the world’s best commercial planes.
Airbus and European Position
France is asking Bangladesh to give Airbus a level playing field while negotiations with the European manufacturer continue.
Strategic importance
Boeing and United States Position
The United States views the Boeing agreement as a win-win for the United States-Bangladesh relationship.
Airbus and European Position
France says an Airbus deal would represent a longer-term civil aviation partnership, especially given Europe’s importance to Bangladesh’s garment exports.
Key facts
- Additional Boeing aircraft
- 11
- Total planned Boeing acquisitions
- 25 aircraft
- Earlier Boeing agreement
- 14 aircraft valued at $3.7 billion
- Signing location
- New York
- Airbus negotiations
- Continuing; Bangladesh has not ruled out buying Airbus aircraft
- Garment exports to Europe
- 48 percent, compared with 17 percent to the United States
- Aircraft details
- Models, prices, financing and delivery schedule for the new order have not been disclosed
Quotes
Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet
French ambassador to Bangladesh
“Of course, 10 aircraft is not a major deal, but for us it is more than that. It is about Bangladesh being willing to engage in discussions to enter into a long-term partnership with Europeans in the field of civil aviation.”
easterneye.biz
“I think this is a good test for the current government, and we have confidence in this government and in Biman.”
easterneye.biz
Sources
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