Airline Biman Bangladesh eyes restarting the exports of fruits and vegetables to Europe after halting for three-years, according to local news The Load Star. Pressure from Bangladeshi exporters caused the airlines to stop carrying perishable items in years past.

Now, the carrier has submitted a plan to Bangladesh's aviation ministry to carry vegetables and fruits to Europe.

The carrier began holding talks with trading groups. The groups - Bangladesh Fruits, Vegetables & Allied Products Exporters' Associations - are speaking about the potential opening of the Dhaka-London-Manchester route.

As a result of these talks, Biman Bangladesh decided it would begin sending cargo the first week of January.

Biman says it would deploy its 787-9 planes to transport the cargo. The airlines currently brings shipments into Europe. However, it does not carry perishables.

The EU banned Bangladeshi cargo in 2016, saying it is a "high risk" country. Thus, third parties screened air cargo before arrival in the EU.

Following that, the EU withdrew its suspension in 2018. Biman Bangladesh continued not carrying perishables even after the ban was lifted.

The airline's decision to create a plan to start carrying perishables again reflects the phytosanitary regulation conditions, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. It has taken steps to comply with EU standards.

For example, it will take measures to screen explosives and a penalty payment system.

CEO Biman Mokabbir Hossain also told the Loadstar that from January 5, Biman will operate seven flights a week to Manchester and Heathrow.

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