Develop skilled HR to take aviation industry forward: experts at seminar

Dhaka : It is a must to develop skilled human resources to take the country's aviation industry forward. There is a shortage of expert manpower in the country's aviation sector currently. As the industry is witnessing constant growth, the shortage of skilled manpower must soon be met.

Kazi Wahidul Alam, Editor of The Bangladesh Monitor, country's premier travel trade publication, said this as the chief guest at a seminar on "Prospects and Challenges of Career in Airlines" organised by United College of Aviation, Science and Management at its premise in the capital on December 12.

"In February 2023, The Bangladesh Monitor will be organising the country's first ever aviation job and career fair at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital. Those seeking to pursue a career in the aviation industry will find excellent career opportunities at the fair," added Kazi Wahidul Alam.
   
Currently, four local passenger airlines, 32 international airlines, four domestic cargo airlines, and 11 helicopter companies are operating in the country. These air operators need about 50-60 pilots per year and almost same number of technicians each year, mentioned ATM Nazrul Islam, Managing Director of United Airways, and Adviser to the United College of Aviation, Science and Management while delivering the keynote address at the seminar. 

"In this context, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh so far has only issued 870 CPLs (pilot licenses) and 720 AMEs (aeronautical engineering licenses) in 50 years. It is a matter of concern as the numbers are too low," he claimed. 

He further mentioned, in the next five years, airlines operating in Bangladesh will have to add at least 25-30 medium and large aircraft. Bangladeshi aviation requires 200-250 pilots and 250-300 technicians to operate additional aircraft by the next five years. There will also be additional demand of cabin crew and airport services executives. 

Mahbub Jahan Khan, Director, Planning, Training and DMS, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, in his presentation, made five recommendations to allow the country's aviation industry prosper to new heights. 

These recommendations are as follows: enhance the training facilities and staff, enroll right person for the right stream, groom them with customer centricity, maintain close liaison with the industry, and connect the job-ready talents with the market. 

Mohammad Ali, Executive Director of United College of Aviation, Science and Management, in his closing remarks, "As part of our efforts to develop expert HR in the industry, we will be attending the upcoming aviation career and job fair to be organised by The Bangladesh Monitor in February 2023."