Airbus has urged Biman Bangladesh Airlines to base its upcoming fleet decision purely on commercial and technical merit, steering clear of political influence as Bangladesh enters a crucial aviation growth phase.

Wouter van Wersch, Executive Vice President International of Airbus, told journalists in Dhaka that the European planemaker wants Biman's techno-financial evaluation to remain professional and objective. "We hope the evaluation will be based on the merits of the offers. We want the decision to be factual, based on commercial, technical and capacity-building value," he said during his recent Dhaka visit.

Van Wersch's comments come amid fierce competition between Airbus and US rival Boeing for Biman's aircraft procurement. Biman's Techno-Financial Committee is reviewing Airbus's proposal for 10 A350 wide-body and four A320neo narrow-body jets against Boeing's offer of 10 787 Dreamliners and four 737 MAX aircraft.

Dismissing suggestions of political pressure, van Wersch described European ambassadors' public backing as routine diplomatic practice. "There is no political pressure. They support us in many countries, not only Bangladesh," he stated.

Airbus highlighted Bangladesh's aviation boom, noting passenger numbers are expected to jump from 1.3 crore to 2.85 crore by 2030, representing six percent yearly growth, nearly double the global average.

For immediate capacity needs, Airbus confirmed it has offered to help Biman source leased aircraft before delivery slots become available. Edward Delahaye, Head of Customer Accounts for South Asia, said arrangements could bridge the gap until new planes arrive.

Van Wersch pitched the A321neo for regional routes and the A350 for long-haul operations, claiming the A350-900 can fly Dhaka to Los Angeles or New York non-stop, unlike Boeing's 787. He added that on Dhaka-Toronto routes, the A350-900 carries more passengers and cargo than competitors.

Addressing mixed fleet concerns, Delahaye explained Airbus cockpit commonality from A321 to A350 reduces pilot training costs significantly. "Introducing Airbus will not be more expensive. Our cockpit commonality saves significant cost because pilots can fly multiple types," he said.

Beyond aircraft sales, Airbus pledged broader engagement including capacity-building, maintenance partnerships, regulatory cooperation with Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh and European Union Aviation Safety Agency, plus skills development programmes.