US-Bangla sends first batch of cadet pilots for further flight training in USA

Dhaka: To fill the gap between the growing number of aircraft in US-Bangla’s fleet and the additional pilots needed to operate those, the largest private carrier of the country has taken a unique initiative to shape future aviators.

From May to June 2022, US-Bangla Airlines, with the help of Bangladesh Air Force HR experts, selected 21 student/cadet pilots out of 6,500 participants.

On May 2, 2023, the airline sent the first batch of 10 selected cadet pilots to Epic Flight Academy, Smyrna Beach, Florida, the United States of America for a 10-month long flight training course.

Prior to the departure of the cadets the airline held a press conference at US-Bangla Training Centre in the capital.

Lutfor Rahman, CEO and other high officials of US-Bangla Airlines along with Kazi Wahidul Alam, Editor, the Bangladesh were present on the occasion.

Lutfor Rahman, CEO, US-Bangla Airlines addressing the press

Once the training is done, the Bangladeshi cadets will obtain the Federal Aviation Administration Commercial Pilot Licence (FAA CPL).

The airline will send the rest of the 11 cadets to USA for the same purpose in June 2023.

After finishing flight training successfully, the 21 cadet pilots, one female and 20 males, will come back to the country and join US-Bangla Airlines as Trainee First Officer for ATR 72-600.

It may be mentioned here, US-Bangla currently has 19 aircraft in its fleet including eight Boeing 737-800s and eight ATR 72-600s.

Also, the airline is planning to add two new Airbus 330s and two ATR 72-600s in its fleet in 2023.