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FAA restores Thailand’s top aviation safety rating after almost a decade

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FAA restores Thailand’s top aviation safety rating after almost a decade
Policy
Webp received 678892941562146
Chayatan Phromsorn Chairman at Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand | Official Website

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reinstated Thailand's Category 1 status in its International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program. This change signifies that the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) now complies with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This restoration comes almost a decade after Thailand was downgraded to Category 2 due to failing to meet ICAO standards.

The FAA's update, issued on April 21, allows Thailand's aviation authority to license and oversee airlines in accordance with ICAO requirements. The regulator's IASA program evaluates and confirms a country's adherence to eight key elements as outlined by the ICAO. These include primary aviation legislation, civil aviation safety oversight, technical personnel qualification, and the resolution of safety concerns, among others.

"The IASA program is administered by the FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety (AVS), Flight Standards Service (AFS), International Programs and Policy Division (AFS-50)," the FAA explained. "Supported by the FAA's Office of International Aviation (API), these divisions further work with countries who request additional assistance based on the IASA program's findings."

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In 2015, Thailand's aviation safety rating was downgraded to Category 2 by the FAA, as announced by the US Embassy and Consulate in Thailand. At that time, the downgrade was due to Thailand not meeting ICAO safety standards. Nonetheless, Thailand-based airlines were allowed to maintain existing services to the US, but not increase flight capacities.

Now, with the updated ratings, Category 2 countries include Bangladesh, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, Russia, and Venezuela. Russia has been lobbying to reopen direct flights to the US, an effort that follows a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry advocating for resumed direct flights to the US.

According to data from Cirium’s Diio Mi airline planning tool, Delta Air Lines last operated flights between the US and Thailand in October 2016. Thai International Airways previously flew to the US until October 2015, with the last direct flights occurring in April 2012.

Additionally, United Airlines has announced new flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Bangkok via Hong Kong starting October. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has already approved these routes, as well as flights from Los Angeles to other Asian destinations, further expanding connectivity.

Organizations Included in this History
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