Almost all the airlines of the world are likely to fall into pilot crisis against the growing demand of the aviation sector of Bangladesh. In order to overcome this crisis, the US-Bangla Airlines, one of the private airlines of Bangladesh, has been preparing skilled pilots, engineers and technical and non-technical workers in the country’s aviation sector for almost a decade. US-Bangla has more than 2,500 employees, including more than 190 domestic and foreign pilots.
This information was presented in a ceremonial manner before the second batch of the cadet pilot program left for Florida, USA on Sunday. The State Minister for Private Aviation and Tourism Mahbub Ali was present as the chief guest in the event. Senior officials of the Civil Aviation Authority, representatives of various airlines, representatives of ATAB, journalists from various media and cadet pilots and their parents were present.
According to sources, US-Bangla Airlines started its journey on July 17, 2014 with two Dash8-Q400s; currently, there are 19 aircraft in the fleet including 8 Boeing 737-800 and 8 ATR 72-600. Two more ATR 72-600 aircraft are planned to be added this year, along with two Airbus 330 aircraft.
With the addition of aircraft to an airline’s fleet, the need for additional pilots arises but cannot be easily filled in the shortest possible time. Finalizing pilot recruitment before adding new aircraft to the fleet and expanding new routes is a part of the sound and proper planning of airlines.
US-Bangla Airlines plans to recruit cadet pilots in early 2022 to meet the demand for additional pilots. In continuation of that, with the help of experts of human resources of Bangladesh Air Force, from May to July 2022, 21 people were finally selected from about 6500 competitors.
Meanwhile, 10 trainees of the first batch of cadet pilots have reached Florida, USA and started flight training course at Epic Flying Academy. 11 trainees of the second batch will leave for Florida on May 30. The US-Bangla Airlines cadet pilot training program will be remembered in the country’s aviation history. Trainees will receive a Federal Aviation Administration Commercial Pilot License (FAA CPL) upon completion of the flight training course.
After successful completion of flight training the trainee will be appointed as First Officer in US-Bangla Airlines. US-Bangla will be waiting to make a pilot trainee’s dream come true. US-Bangla Airlines will create history in creating skilled manpower in aviation.