EU spares Thai airlines from chop
Anxious govt, Prayut breathe sigh of relief
The government yesterday breathed a sigh of relief after Thai Airways International (THAI) and MJets which serve European destinations were spared bans in an audit by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
THAI and MJets are the only Thairegistered airlines operating flights to Europe. EASA conducts audits every six months.
Thai authorities had been on edge waiting for the inspection results, after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) downgraded the country’s air safety rating — six months after a “red flag” was issued by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) for “significant safety concerns”.
According to an updated EU Air Safety List released yesterday, no carriers from Thailand were added to the list of the airlines that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the European Union (EU).
Shortly after the announcement, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday said EASA’s audit showed the agency’s understanding of the country’s efforts to address the problems.
“I’m thankful they acknowledged our efforts. I’m aware it wasn’t an easy decision for them. They could have just followed the ICAO and the FAA,” he said.
On Wednesday, Gen Prayut admitted he was concerned about the EASA audit of Thai aviation safety. “This is their assessment, not ours, and I am worried about the issues concerning it,” he was quoted as saying.
The premier said yesterday Thai authorities over the past three weeks had put a great deal of effort into the master plan which EASA wanted to see put into practice.
The plan would put the Thai aviation i ndustry on par with i nternational standards.
He said EASA realised the country was not going for a quick fix to have the red flag lifted. The European agency saw that Thailand was aiming for something more difficult — overhauling the entire aviation industry.
He said the Office of Civil Aviation and EASA early this week signed an agreement which would see the European agency assist Thailand in boosting its civil-aviation standards.
Gen Prayut described EASA’s decision as providing moral support and a sign that the country was on the right track.
The prime minister also said the government would need cooperation from other airlines.
He said he and his deputies — Prawit Wongsuwon and Somkid Jatusripitak — will oversee the work of a new agency, the Office of Civil Aviation, and will see to it the agency operates with efficiency and transparency.
“I hope this good news will boost confidence among investors and I thank the European Union for bringing us good news.
“This also shows us no matter how difficult the problems are, we can fix them if we come together. But we have to stay focused,” he said.
He expressed confidence that aviation standards will improve and can be maintained.
“No air carriers from Thailand were added to the Air Safety List at this time. The Commission and EASA are willing to continue to work with Thai authorities to enhance aviation safety in the country.
“The Commission and EASA will however closely monitor future developments and, if the protection of air passengers against safety risks so requires, the Commission could then propose to include one or more air carriers from Thailand in the Air Safety List,” said the press release.
The updated EU Air Safety List, to be published today in the Official Journal of the EU, is based on the unanimous opinion of the EU Air Safety Committee, which met from Nov 24-26, 2015.
Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith told a press conference the absence of the two airlines from EASA’s ban list shows the EU’s confidence in the government’s hard work and consistent efforts to maintain aviation standards.
He thanked EASA for giving the government the opportunity to explain the facts behind the problems after Thai delegates were sent to provide explanations to the EU Safety Committee.
Ongoing efforts to tackle aviation problems will not face any political interference, he insisted.
The ministry will now work for the lifting of the red-flag status assigned in June by the ICAO for Thailand’s failure to meet its standards for regulating aviation businesses and granting air operator certificates (AOCs) within a 90-day deadline.
Mr Arkhom added the ministry will seek cooperation from related agencies to tackle shortages of safety certification personnel by enlisting help from qualified specialists from abroad and training new personnel locally.
THAI president Charamporn Jotikasthira said the national carrier can now continue its services to 11 destinations in Europe.
The airline has managed to keep its flight and service standards at a high level and in compliance with EASA’s specifications, he said, adding that the airline will also work closely with safety authorities in the aviation re-certification process, which will help improve safety.
Chula Sukmanop, director of the Office of Civil Aviation, said EASA’s decision has boosted people’s confidence in the country’s airlines and air safety.
It also means the government is on the right path in tackling aviation issues, he said.
Thai ambassador to Washington Pisan Manawapat expressed confidence Thailand will be able to address aviation safety concerns raised by the ICAO in the near future.