Grounded : Bangladesh Flying Academy stalls under weight of alleged corruption

Dhaka : Bangladesh's oldest flying school, Bangladesh Flying Academy and General Aviation Ltd., has suspended operations, putting an end to nearly eight decades of pilot training and raising concerns over the future of the institution amid allegations of mismanagement and financial irregularities.

In a June 28 letter to the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), the academy's Acting Accountable Manager, Captain Abu Safa, cited a lack of funds, insufficient government support and the absence of airworthy aircraft as reasons for the "temporary" suspension.

However, industry insiders said the academy's financial and operational condition has deteriorated so severely that its revival now appears difficult without government or regulatory intervention.

The closure comes as Bangladeshi airlines expand their fleets and demand for qualified pilots rises, making the loss of the country's oldest flight-training institution particularly significant.

Legacy since 1948

The institution was established as the East Pakistan Flying Club in Chattogram on May 10, 1948. It became Bangladesh Flying Club after independence and was reestablished as Bangladesh Flying Academy and General Aviation Ltd. in 2004 as a government-sponsored nonprofit company.

The academy has produced more than 800 commercial pilots over the decades. At one point, more than 95 percent of Biman Bangladesh Airlines' pilots were reportedly graduates of the institution.

Its alumni have also gone on to fly for international carriers including Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, AirAsia, Saudia, Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines.

The academy once operated a fleet comprising 11 aircraft types, including turboprops, amphibious aircraft and twin-engine aircraft.

Allegations of mismanagement

Insiders, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that mismanagement and financial irregularities over the past decade gradually weakened the institution.

One allegation involves the leasing of a training aircraft while three academy-owned aircraft donated by CAAB, including a multiengine aircraft, were allegedly left grounded. Sources claimed the arrangement benefited the lessor and contributed to a deterioration in relations between the academy and CAAB.

The alleged irregularities reportedly led CAAB to withdraw financial support that had previously included assistance to students to offset flight-training costs.

Sources also alleged that the academy failed to hold regular executive committee elections after 2017, despite its constitution requiring elections every two years.

Another allegation concerns the attempted purchase of a Cessna 172R from Thailand. More than BDT 1.7 crore was reportedly deposited with an enterprise for the transaction, but the academy allegedly received neither the aircraft nor a refund.

Sources further alleged irregularities involving parking fees generated when the academy operated a hangar at Dhaka Airport. The facility reportedly generated around BDT 4-5 lakh a month.

The academy still owns plots and apartments in Dhaka, but insiders said attempts to sell some assets have faced difficulties because of questions over the legitimacy of the current executive committee.

Students, staff affected

The prolonged crisis has also affected students and employees.

Around 15 students reportedly remain enrolled, with many unable to complete the flying hours required for their licenses because the academy's last operational aircraft remained grounded for months and eventually lost its airworthiness.

Staff members have also reportedly gone months without salaries. Sources said some employees who protested over unpaid wages initially had their salaries reduced before payments stopped altogether.

Experts seek intervention

The academy's suspension has prompted calls from aviation professionals for an investigation and immediate steps to revive the institution.

Veteran aviator Captain Abdullah, a life member of the academy, said he was surprised that CAAB had not formed an investigation committee after the closure. He has written to Acting Accountable Manager Captain Abu Safa seeking an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).

According to Abdullah, the EGM could establish an interim committee to arrange fresh elections. A legally elected executive body, he argued, would be necessary to manage the academy's assets, secure financing and purchase new aircraft.

Aviation expert and industry analyst Wing Commander (Retd.) ATM Nazrul Islam attributed the academy's decline to possible regulatory shortcomings, weak governance and inadequate training oversight.

He said the academy's nonprofit model had historically allowed it to provide relatively affordable pilot training, helping Bangladeshi airlines develop local pilots instead of relying heavily on foreign recruits. Training pilots for overseas airlines could also generate foreign exchange for Bangladesh, he noted.

Insiders similarly said the academy would need a properly elected management committee to resume operations. If that is not possible, they called for direct government and CAAB intervention.

Uncertain future

The academy's current situation comes as Bangladesh seeks to expand its aviation sector and develop skilled manpower for a potential regional aviation hub.

The future of its remaining students and staff remains uncertain, while the institution itself faces the challenge of rebuilding its aircraft fleet, finances and governance structure.

Civil Aviation and Tourism State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat has recently expressed interest in establishing a new flight-training academy in Bogura. Aviation professionals, however, have urged the government to prioritize reviving Bangladesh Flying Academy before creating another institution.

For an academy that helped train generations of Bangladeshi pilots, its survival now depends on whether the government and aviation authorities can address the allegations, restore proper governance and provide a credible path back to the skies.