Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the national flag carrier of Bangladesh, has taken a groundbreaking decision to purchase four Airbus aircraft from France, each costing US$180 million. This marks the first business deal between Biman and Airbus, ending decades of partnership with American Boeing. This surprising shift has sent ripples of shock through Boeing and the US administration, highlighting the complex interplay of aviation, politics, and international relations.

Biman’s decision comes amid growing dissatisfaction with the Biden administration among the ruling party in Bangladesh. Tensions have been high due to what Dhaka perceives as US interference in its domestic affairs. Accusations of attempts to unseat Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and support for the Al Qaeda-connected ultra-Islamist Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its coalition partner Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) have soured relations. Washington’s pressure through threats of visa restrictions and sanctions has only exacerbated the situation.

In an interview, Biman’s outgoing Managing Director and CEO Shafiul Azim explained the rationale behind the switch: “Any company can face bad times at any time. We’re negotiating with Airbus as part of a long-term plan to ensure we’re not in any kind of danger, that our strength doesn’t wane in the future, and that we’re not exposed to any risk”. Azim referred to recent incidents and technical issues with Boeing’s 737 Max aircraft........

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