Biman Bangladesh Airlines can become an aviation leader in the subcontinent region by properly using its existing resources even though it has been struggling to cater to demand in the sector, especially for simulator training, experts have said.
They also pointed out that there is a shortage of skilled human resources in the aviation sector of several other countries and suggested that the national carrier use this demand to generate revenue by training foreign pilots.
"Biman has many resources that can be used domestically and globally with a proper plan," one of the aviation experts said.
Training of foreign pilots to fetch $1bn
Biman is set to start training foreign pilots for the first time in its history. A deal was signed by Biman and the Mongolian government in this regard on March 23.
Initially, 12 Mongolian pilots will receive training, said a Biman official. Biman will receive $16,000 per pilot each month.
An experienced captain from Biman will train the Mongolian pilots in the operation of the Boeing 787-9 as Mongolia recently bought one of the aircraft, the official added.
Biman Managing Director and CEO Shafiul Azim said: "A group of Biman Dreamliner captains will train these pilots, who do not have any experience operating the Boeing 787."
He further said that this was the first time any South Asian airline, not just Biman, was arranging training for foreign pilots. Three pilots are being trained in the first batch.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has already permitted to arrange facilities for training foreign pilots.
Terming the initiative to train the foreign pilots a historical landmark, industry insiders said Biman can use this facility to earn $200,000 per month.
Wing Commander (retd) ATM Nazrul Islam said Biman has some highly skilled pilots who have received international recognition, but the airline rarely uses these pilots properly due to mismanagement and a lack of knowledge about the aviation business.
He stressed the need to properly market the pilot training program, as the amount of revenue will depend on the number of foreign pilots who receive training.