EU and Bangladesh move to deepen collaboration on aviation safety

Bangladesh and the European Union have expanded their civil aviation cooperation through two major technical events held in Dhaka, underscoring stronger collaboration on safety management and regulatory oversight under the EU–South Asia Aviation Partnership Project (EU-SA APP).

As part of the EU-funded programme implemented by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), a three-day Regional Aviation Safety Programme and a dedicated workshop on ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) brought together regulators and aviation experts from Europe and across South Asia.

The first programme focused on Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Flight Data Monitoring (FDM), both now core components of global aviation safety frameworks. Participants included representatives from civil aviation authorities, airlines, and industry organisations from several South Asian countries.

Technical experts from European aircraft manufacturer ATR shared operational perspectives, while regional operators exchanged best practices on data-driven decision-making, safety culture, and risk management.

For Bangladesh, the event served as a platform to present its progress and engage with neighbouring countries facing similar operational environments.

The second event—the USOAP Audit Support Workshop—brought together CAAB officials, EASA specialists, and regional regulators to assess audit readiness, documentation standards, evidence handling, and oversight processes in line with ICAO protocols.

Participants discussed approaches to maintaining continuous compliance with global safety oversight requirements, reflecting a shared commitment as countries prepare for upcoming ICAO evaluations.

EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation Michael Miller, along with CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq, attended the sessions.

Ambassador Miller highlighted the “strong potential for expanded EU–Bangladesh cooperation in civil aviation,” stressing the need for a level playing field and pointing to EU support in areas such as fleet renewal, green aviation, innovation, and safety. He noted that the EU sees Bangladesh’s aviation sector as “a driver of economic growth.”

Officials and experts said the events showcased a deepening technical partnership between Bangladesh and the EU, built on sustained dialogue, capacity development, and shared priorities in aviation safety.

The EU–South Asia Aviation Partnership Project—part of the broader EU-funded EU-ASIA APP and implemented by EASA—continues to support cooperation between Europe and South Asia through technical training, workshops, and expert exchanges aimed at strengthening safety oversight and harmonising practices with global aviation standards.