US-Bangla Airlines launches new cadet pilot recruitment drive

Having completed over a decade of service in Bangladesh's aviation sector, US-Bangla Airlines, one of the country's leading private airlines, has announced a fresh initiative to recruit and train cadet pilots from among meritorious students — aiming to address the growing global shortage of qualified pilots.

For many talented students in Bangladesh, becoming a doctor or engineer is achievable through government-supported education. However, becoming a pilot often remains an unfulfilled dream due to the high financial burden involved. Recognising this challenge, US-Bangla Airlines has taken the initiative to finance the training of deserving candidates, giving wings to their aspirations.

The airline, which began operations on 17 July 2014 with two Dash 8-Q400 aircraft, now operates a fleet of 25 aircraft, including three Airbus A330-300s (436 seats each) and nine Boeing 737-800s. With plans to add more aircraft soon, the airline is proactively expanding its pool of pilots to meet future demand for fleet and route expansion.

In early 2022, US-Bangla Airlines began a recruitment programme for student pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers. Following a rigorous selection process conducted by the airline's human resources specialists, a group of candidates was chosen for international flight training.

So far, 22 trainee pilots have completed their flight training at Epic Flight Academy in Florida, USA, and have joined US-Bangla Airlines as pilots. Another five trainees are expected to complete their courses soon, while seven more are waiting to begin their training. Upon successful completion, trainees receive a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

The selection process for the next batch of cadet pilots is currently underway. Applicants must be Bangladeshi citizens aged 17 to 22 years. Male candidates must be at least 168cm (5ft 6in) in height and female candidates 164cm (5ft 4in), with proportional body weight. Candidates must be unmarried, non-smokers and non-alcoholic, with perfect 6/6 vision and no criminal record.

Academic eligibility includes:

• GPA 5.00 in both SSC and HSC exams from the science stream.

• Minimum GPA 5.00 in any two of Physics, Mathematics and Higher Mathematics, and GPA 4.00 in the third subject and in English.

• For O/A Levels: at least grade A in Physics and Mathematics at O-Level and grade B in both at A-Level. GED qualifications will not be accepted.

• English proficiency is mandatory.

Candidates will go through IQ tests, written exams (English, Mathematics and Physics), aptitude tests, psychometric and medical examinations, and a final interview. Those who pass all stages will be sent abroad for professional flight training under the airline's management. Upon successful completion, they will join US-Bangla Airlines as First Officers.

Applicants must also obtain a Class-1 Medical Certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

US-Bangla Airlines reserves the right to amend or modify eligibility criteria. As part of its long-term vision, the airline remains committed to developing skilled aviation professionals in Bangladesh.

Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the US-Bangla Airlines website for further details and application procedures.