Caab chairman, US envoy hopeful of resuming Dhaka-New York flights soon

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (Caab) Chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas today said they were hopeful of resuming Dhaka-New York flights soon.

The two sides expressed hope while the US ambassador held a courtesy call at the CAAB chairman at the latter's office in the city's Kurmitola.

During the meeting, the launch of air communication between the two countries, especially the Dhaka-New York flight, was discussed.

Mafidur Rahman sought the US ambassador's intervention and cooperation so that CAAB can be upgraded to category-1 of Federal Aviation Authority, USA which is mandatory to resume flight between the two countries.

During the discussion, the ambassador assured full cooperation regarding the resumption of Dhaka-New York flights.

Discussions were also held on increasing mutual communication and cooperation between the aviation sectors of the two countries.

Peter Hass said that the United States will assist Bangladesh in developing skilled manpower in the aviation sector of Bangladesh.

Resuming direct flights on the Dhaka-New York route is a major pledge of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and the government has been trying for years to resume flights on this prestigious route.

Biman had operated the New York flight between 1993 and 2006 before suspending it due to losses.