Dhaka-NY flight to resume soon

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UNB, Dhaka :
Bangladesh has moved a step forward towards a resumption of direct flight operation between Dhaka and New York.
The Civil Aviation Authority Bangladesh (CAAB) is upbeat in attaining FAA Category 1 status, a prerequisite for reopening the Dhaka-NY direct flights.
A Category 1 rating by U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) means that the civil aviation authority complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. Presently, Bangladesh has Category 2 rating.
With first technical review by FAA already completed and the outcome coming in its favour, CAAB is expecting two more FAA reviews would be completed by year-end and Biman Bangladesh Airlines can fly again on this route sometime in 2019.
Biman used to operate on Dhaka-NY route up until 2006 but after it had stopped flying on this route for commercial reason, Biman’s latter attempts to resume operation could not succeed due to CAAB’s non-attainment of FAA Category 1 status.
“The process is in place to attain the FAA Category 1 status. The FAA has already conducted a technical review of the safety oversight provided by the CAAB during February 11-15 this year,” said Wing Commander Chowdhury Ziaul Kabir, Director (Flight Safety) of the CAAB.
After completion of the technical review, the FAA in its report has highlighted the Bangladesh’s effort to attain the FAA Category 1 status, he said.
“Bangladesh has taken significant steps towards developing and implementing an effective safety oversight system that meets the ICAO requirements,” the Director (Flight Safety) said quoting the FAA report.
Moreover the report adds “The CAAB is to be commended for its continued commitment to the necessary corrective actions toward providing and sustaining an effective safety oversight system”, he said.
Bangladesh will be evaluated through two more Technical Reviews by FAA Teams before the final assessment for attaining a Category 1 status is made.
CAAB sincerely believes that with the collaborative and pro-active approach to safety undertaken by CAAB coupled with the government’s commitment and with the guidance soon, Wing Commander Ziaul Kabis said.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recently recognized the CAAB to receive ‘ICAO Council President Certificate’.
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