US-Bangladesh aviation cooperation gains momentum

 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Attaché Daniel Jacob had meetings with Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during his visit to Dhaka from 9 to 12 June 2024. 

These meetings continue the close cooperation needed to achieve Bangladesh's goal of U.S.-Bangladesh direct flights.  Daniel Jacob explained the process for attaining direct flights, according to a press release from the US Embassy, Dhaka.

1.  Bangladesh needs to achieve a "Category 1" safety rating, which requires passing the U.S. FAA's International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA).  A Category 1 rating ensures that Bangladesh complies with critical International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and recommended practices.
2. FAA will carry out the IASA for the Category 1 rating,at the request of CAAB.  CAAB has not yet made a request to FAAfor an IASA.

3.    If CAAB achieves a Category 1 rating, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will conduct a separate assessment and inspection to make sure that Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Biman Airlines meet relevant security requirements for direct flights between the United States and Bangladesh.

For the past several years, the FAA and TSA have been providing free technical assistance to CAAB and Biman Airlines to achieve international safety and security standards.  The U.S. government is also providing free airport screening equipment toHazrat Shahjalal International Airport and providing training to Bangladeshi aviation officials so that Bangladesh can meet the highest international security standards, the press release from the US Embassy, Dhaka added.