Dhaka, Feb. 1 -- National carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines promoted 58 pilots in a move that came amid the shortage of pilots in the airline, as Biman's fleet of 21 aircraft were not being used optimally, according to reports.

Shafiul mentioned that many of the 58 pilots have been promoted: 10 to the rank of first officer of B737 from first officer of Dash 8Q 400, 17 to first officer of B777/B787 from first officer of B737, 13 to captain of B737/Dash-8, 14 to captain of B-787/B-777 from captain of B-737, two first officers of B787s to captains of Dash-8, and two to captain of B-737 from captain of Dash-8.

Those promoted will get permanent confirmation after a six-month training period, based on their performance report by the authoriti...