Business Desk

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Attaché Daniel Jacob has emphasized the importance of operating direct flights between the US and Bangladesh.

Jacob highlighted the importance during a meeting with the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during his visit to Dhaka from 9-12 June.

Close cooperation is needed to achieve Bangladesh’s goal of establishing direct flights to the US, Jacob explained, outlining the necessary steps, reports a press release.

He said Bangladesh must obtain a "Category 1" safety rating, which involves passing the US 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.

The FAA will carry out the IASA for the Category 1 rating at CAAB's request, though CAAB has not yet made this request, he said.

If CAAB achieves a Category 1 rating, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will conduct a separate assessment and inspection to ensure that Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Biman Airlines meet the necessary security requirements for direct flights between the US and Bangladesh, he said.

For several years, the FAA and TSA have been providing free technical assistance to the CAAB and Biman Airlines to help them meet international safety and security standards.

Additionally, the US government is supplying free airport screening equipment to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and offering training to Bangladeshi aviation officials to help Bangladesh achieve the highest international security standards.