FAA raises aviation safety rating for Mexico

FAA raises aviation safety rating for Mexico

2010-12-02 07:33:05 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Wednesday announced that Mexico complies with international safety standards, based on the results of a November FAA review of Mexico's civil aviation authority.

According to the FAA, Mexico has made significant progress and is now upgraded from the Category 2 safety rating the country received in July to Category 1.

A Category 1 rating means the country’s civil aviation authority complies with ICAO standards. A Category 2 rating means a country either lacks laws or regulations necessary to oversee air carriers in accordance with minimum international standards, or that its civil aviation authority – equivalent to the FAA for aviation safety matters – is deficient in one or more areas, such as technical expertise, trained personnel, recordkeeping or inspection procedures.

With the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Category 2 rating, Mexican air carriers could not establish new service to the United States, but were allowed to maintain existing service. Now with the Category 1 rating, Mexican air carriers can again add flights and service to the United States.

At Mexico's request, the FAA will continue to provide technical assistance to support and maintain the changes the civil aviation authority has made.

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