Flag carrier Biman promotes 58 pilots

Dhaka: National carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines promoted 58 pilots in a move that came amid the shortage of pilots in the airline, as Biman's fleet of 21 aircraft were not being used optimally, according to reports.

Shafiul mentioned that many of the 58 pilots have been promoted: 10 to the rank of first officer of B737 from first officer of Dash 8Q 400, 17 to first officer of B777/B787 from first officer of B737, 13 to captain of B737/Dash-8, 14 to captain of B-787/B-777 from captain of B-737, two first officers of B787s to captains of Dash-8, and two to captain of B-737 from captain of Dash-8.

Those promoted will get permanent confirmation after a six-month training period, based on their performance report by the authorities.

Of the 21 aircraft of Biman, six are state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliners, four Boeing 777s, six 737s and five Dash-8s.

Also, the current Biman administration has decided to create a pipeline of cadet pilots through regular recruitments.

Biman Managing Director and CEO Shafiul Azim said that there are 159 pilots in Biman currently to operate these planes.

The national flag carrier needs at least 48 more pilots, he added.

"From now on, we will follow regular recruitment, promotion, posting and actions against the wrongdoers for the smooth operation of all departments of Biman," said the Biman MD and CEO.

"We have a huge demand from passengers on the Toronto route. We will not be able to restore the much-awaited Dhaka-New York route if we do not address the pilot shortage," he added.

To resolve the shortage immediately, the Biman MD and CEO said they have also recruited four foreign pilots.

"Apart from promotion and recruitment of pilots, we have already taken measures to promote cabin crews and recruit 100 cabin crews by this month," he added.

Several pilots of Biman said in absence of an adequate crew, they are conducting flights without weekly leaves.

Biman currently flies to 20 international destinations, most of which are short- or medium-haul.