BANGKOK – The European Commission has unanimously decided not to put air carriers from Thailand on the EU Air Safety List, after the unanimous support of the EU Air Safety Committee.
This step has been taken because the EU-Commission is convinced about the continuous commitment and efforts made by the Thai authorities to address at the highest level, the points of concern as identified by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and agreed to work towards a system that will guarantee the highest level of air safety standards in the country, in the long term.
This includes notably the commitment by Thailand to give the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAA-T) the necessary resources and tools to carry out its responsibilities independently without interference.
EU aviation authorities will continue to monitor the situation and are committed to work with the Government of Thailand and with the CAA-T in every aspect to establish a system that will, in a sustainable manner, be in line with the highest aviation safety standards.
A Memorandum of Cooperation was also signed between the Director General of the CAA-T and the Executive Director of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) earlier this week. Through this arrangement, the two safety authorities will become closer partners in order to strengthen aviation safety.
The Head of the Delegation of the European Union in Thailand, Ambassador Jesus Sanz stated: ‘I am relieved that with the steps taken by the authorities, the European Commission was able today to take a positive decision on the air carriers of Thailand. The European Commission, with the cooperation of EASA, will continue to monitor closely further improvements of aviation safety in Thailand and is committed to give the assistance it can for that purpose’.
