Thailand and U.S. Set to Resume Direct Flights by February

[webfact]

File photo courtesy: Traveloka

 

Direct flights between Thailand and the United States are poised to restart in February, following the expected upgrade of Thailand's aviation safety rating by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

 

This comes as Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, announced positive evaluations from the FAA after a recent inspection.

 

The FAA conducted its review from 11th to 15th November, where the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) received high marks, indicating a significant boost in the country's aviation safety standards.

 

While some minor issues remain, they are not believed to hinder the final outcome, with Thailand likely to achieve Category 1 status early next year.

Thailand's aviation safety was downgraded to Category 2 by the FAA in December 2015, citing shortcomings such as a conflict of interest and insufficient oversight in licence issuance.

 

The CAAT has since worked diligently to rectify these issues, achieving notable progress, according to Transport Permanent Secretary, Chayatan Phromsorn.

 

Category 1 status signifies compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and would allow Thai airlines to operate direct flights to the US.

 

The anticipated upgrade marks a pivotal moment for Thailand's aviation sector, aiming to bolster international connectivity and industry growth.

 

Thailand originally achieved Category 1 status in 1997 but was downgraded in 2015. The expected return to Category 1 will restore its ability to expand its aviation operations with the US, marking a positive advancement for both countries, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-11-30

 

 

[JoePai]

While some minor issues remain

 

thick envelopes will sort those out...

[klauskunkel]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand's aviation safety was downgraded citing shortcomings such as a conflict of interest and insufficient oversight in licence issuance.

"conflict of interest and insufficient oversight"... Would that be, uhm, "corruption" per chance?