Biman to bank on experience in air

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is likely to increase the retirement age of pilots to 62 years from the existing 57 years to get the services of the experienced cockpit crew for a longer period.

The issue of raising the service age limit of the pilots was discussed at a meeting of the board of directors of Biman yesterday. Participants said the board discussed the matter 'positively' and is expected to give a go-ahead to the matter at the next meeting.

"We plan to increase the retirement age in line with the civil aviation rules to use the services of experienced pilots for more years," said a member of the board, seeking not to be named.

The hike in age is set to come at a time when nearly 10-fleet Biman suffers from a shortage of pilots.

The national flag carrier, having 125 pilots, will need more in the days ahead as it will get delivery of 10 planes purchased from Boeing. The delivery will start next year.

"We will immediately require 16 pilots after we get delivery of two aircraft next year," said the Biman board member.

But Biman will not pay compensation if any pilot loses licence after 57 years for medial unfitness, he added.

Presently, the Biman's pilots, after passing 57 years of age, fly based on contractual arrangements with the carrier. Now out of 125 pilots, 7 are flying on contract basis, according to Bangladesh Airlines Pilots' Association (Bapa).

Due to using experienced pilots on contract basis, the board member expects that the financial impact for enhancing the service age period may be minor.

"It appears that there will be no major financial implication," he said.

The airline's initiative to enhance the service age of pilots also comes in line with the rules of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh and International Civil Aviation Organisation, which had earlier raised the retirement age of pilots.

"We have demanded an increase in our retirement age as per civil aviation rules," said Bapa President Captain Ashraf Khan.

"The airline will be benefited. It takes a lot of time to make an experienced pilot," he said.

-Daily Star