Thailand aviation upgraded to category 1, opening US flights
In a major boost for Thailand’s aviation sector, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially upgraded the country’s aviation safety rating to Category 1.
The Ministry of Transport announced the exciting development today, April 22, recognising that Thailand now meets international civil aviation safety standards, paving the way for Thai airlines to resume flights to the United States.
This significant shift comes after years of regulatory improvements following Thailand’s downgrade to Category 2 in 2015.
At the time, the FAA had identified 36 safety oversight deficiencies, primarily stemming from concerns raised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Gaps in Thai aviation laws, particularly regarding the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand’s (CAAT) authority and the limited number of qualified flight inspectors, had prompted the downgrade.
In 2015, ICAO flagged the lack of certified inspectors for specific aircraft types operated by Thai carriers as a major issue. However, following extensive efforts to address these shortcomings, Thailand has now passed ICAO’s stringent safety standards, which align with the FAA’s criteria for aviation safety oversight.
The upgraded Category 1 status means Thai airlines can now resume flights to the United States and potentially increase services to other countries that reference FAA safety ratings, including South Korea. This move is expected to have a far-reaching impact on Thailand’s air transport industry, enabling greater connectivity with key global markets.
The reinstatement of Category 1 status not only boosts Thailand’s aviation reputation but also instils greater confidence in the country’s ability to maintain and enforce international aviation safety standards.
With the Thai aviation sector now back on track, industry experts are hopeful that this will lead to sustained growth and more opportunities for Thai airlines to expand their global reach, reported The Nation.
The FAA’s Category 1 upgrade is a key milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance Thailand’s standing in the global aviation community, and it marks a bright future for the country’s air transport sector.
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