The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) today launched a 27-week Air Traffic Control (ATC) Basic Course to develop skilled air traffic controllers amid the country’s growing aviation activities.

“Skilled and properly trained manpower is essential to make the country’s aviation system safer, more modern, and efficient,” Civil Aviation Academy Director Prashanta Kumar Chakraborty said at the inaugural ceremony.

ATC Basic Course No. 36 commenced at the Civil Aviation Academy with 14 trainees, including eight personnel from the Bangladesh Air Force and six from CAAB.

CAAB Member (ATM) Air Commodore Md Noor-E-Alam formally inaugurated the course at 10 am, according to a CAAB press release.

Speaking at the ceremony, Noor-E-Alam said air traffic control is one of the most critical and responsible functions in the aviation system as numerous aircraft operate through the country’s airspace every day.

He said trained air traffic controllers play a crucial role in maintaining safe separation between aircraft, providing necessary instructions for take-off and landing and ensuring orderly management of overall air traffic operations.

“There is no alternative to modern and internationally standard training for developing skilled manpower capable of keeping pace with the growing demands of the country’s aviation sector,” he said.

During the 27-week course, the participants will receive theoretical and practical training on various aspects of air traffic control and air traffic management.

CAAB officials said developing skilled air traffic controllers through such training would play an important role in managing the country’s growing air traffic and ensuring safer skies.