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

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."