Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat on Tuesday stressed the need to begin deliveries of Airbus aircraft to Biman Bangladesh Airlines before 2030 as Bangladesh prepares to sign an agreement to purchase 10 aircraft on Wednesday.

“It is essential to bring forward the delivery schedule,” Millat added, emphasising that deliveries should begin before 2030.

He made the remarks when a Lufthansa delegation, led by German Ambassador to Bangladesh Rüdiger Lotz, paid a courtesy call on him at his ministry office in Dhaka.

The meeting discussed air connectivity between Bangladesh and Germany, Biman’s development and other issues of mutual interest.

Millat said the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and Germany offered significant scope for expanding cooperation in civil aviation.

He invited Lufthansa to invest in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities in Bangladesh to support the country’s ambition of becoming an aviation hub.

He also proposed cooperation between Lufthansa and Biman to develop skilled aviation professionals in Bangladesh.

The minister sought Germany’s support in securing the withdrawal of the European Union’s High Risk Cargo and Mail (HRCM) designation for cargo originating from Bangladesh, which has been in place since 2017.

He said the government had taken measures to address all observations related to the designation since assuming office.

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Osmani International Airport each scored more than 90% in recently completed security audits, Millat said, seeking German support for lifting the designation.

Both sides expressed interest in strengthening bilateral relations, improving air connectivity and expanding cooperation in tourism.