Posted by- Neelam Mathews
July 10, 2013
Even as India struggles with its safety issues, following improvements in the safety situation in the Philippines, Philippine Airlines is the first airline from this country allowed back into European skies since 2010. The European Commission has updated today for the 21st time the European list of airlines subject to an operating ban or operational restrictions within the European Union, better known as "the EU air safety list".
all air carriers from the Philippines were banned from the EU in March 2010 following very poor results from an ICAO audit in 2009 which led to a significant safety concern (SSC) being issued by ICAO. A follow-up audit by ICAO in October 2012 showed some improvements had been made, however the SSC was not removed and another added. A further audit in February 2013 found sufficient progress had been made to lift both the SSCs.
For all other carriers registered in the Philippines the ban remains, as further progress is still needed to reach effective compliance with relevant aviation safety regulations, says EC.
Siim Kallas, Commission Vice-President responsible for transport, said: "The EU air safety list was created for the protection of European skies and citizens, but it can also serve as a wake-up call to countries and airlines in need to get their safety house back in order. Today we confirmed our willingness to removePhilippines airlines from the list as they show real commitment and capacity to implement international safety standards in a sustainable manner."
Today's Commission decision was based on the unanimous opinion of the EU Air Safety Committee in which safety experts from each of the 28 Member States participate, as well as from Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and EASA.
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