Staff Reporter:
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat yesterday said that the govern-ment is establishing a pilot training academy in Bogura to develop skilled aviation professionals and support the country’s growing aviation industry.
“We are preparing an Aviation Master Plan and establishing a pilot training academy in Bogura to sup-port our industry’s future,” he said.
Millat made the remarks while addressing US-Bangla Airlines’ “Beyond with Boeing” program in the capital.
He said the initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to develop Bangladesh’s aviation sector and transform the country into a regional aviation hub under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
“Under the leadership of our Honorable Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government is working to make Bangladesh a regional aviation hub,” the state minister said.
At the event, US-Bangla Airlines unveiled a $1.5 billion fleet expansion plan to add 21 Boeing aircraft under leasing arrangements by the end of 2027, marking one of the largest fleet expansion initiatives undertaken by a private Bangladeshi carrier.
The plan comprises 15 Boeing 737-8 and six Boeing 737-800 aircraft as the airline seeks to significantly expand its international network.
Referring to the expansion, Millat said US-Bangla’s addition of 21 Boeing aircraft would be an im-portant step towards meeting the country’s growing demand for air travel.
He said Biman Bangladesh Airlines is simultaneously moving to add 14 new Boeing aircraft, further strengthening the country’s aviation capacity and improving travel for passengers at home and abroad.
Highlighting ongoing airport infrastructure development, the State Minister said Hazrat Shahjalal Inter-national Airport (HSIA) would be able to handle up to 24 million passengers annually with the Third Terminal.
Millat congratulated US-Bangla Airlines on completing 12 years of operations, saying the carrier had grown from a domestic airline into one of Bangladesh’s leading international carriers through its com-mitment to safety and quality service.
He said US-Bangla’s partnership with Boeing also reflected the confidence of global partners in Bangla-desh and would contribute to strengthening friendship and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States.
“Together, let us build a stronger aviation sector that connects Bangladesh with the world,” Millat said.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, Boeing Vice President of Sales Paul Righi, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq and US-Bangla Airlines Managing Director Mohammed Abdul-lah Al Mamun, among others, attended the event.
