Sigh of relief as Thailand spared EASA blacklist

[webfact]

EUROPEAN AVIATION SAFETY AGENCY
Sigh of relief as Thailand spared EASA blacklist
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THAI CARRIERS have been spared from a European Union blacklist of airlines banned from flying to the 28 EU member countries, the commission announced yesterday.

The European Aviation Safety Agency yesterday updated its Air Safety List, the list of airlines subject to an operating ban or operational restrictions within the European Union.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday thanked the EU for recognising Thailand's determination to improve its aviation safety standards, according to Government Spokesman Maj-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd. The PM also promised Thailand would "uproot all the old problems" so that the country's civil aviation would completely meet the international standards, the spokesman said.

"No air carriers from Thailand were added to the Air Safety List at this time. The [European] Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency [EASA] are willing to continue to work with the Thai authorities to enhance aviation safety in the country," the EU said.

"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."

Thai Airways International president Charamporn Jotikasthira yesterday said THAI would continue flying to 11 destinations in nine European countries. The airline would also have flights to Rome next year due to more demand.

Transport Minister Arkhom Termpitayapaisith said his ministry would continue to work with EASA to improve safety matters. EASA will visit Thailand again to audit and see if there is improvement six months after its last visit earlier this year.

"Several measures are planned, including recruiting foreign experts and transferring aviation officers from other organisations as well as hiring young staff," he said.

The EU's announcement came 10 days after the US Federal Aviation Administration downgraded Thailand's safety ratings because the Kingdom's civil-aviation body failed to tackle flaws in its commercial aviation standards.

The fact that no Thai airline appeared on the EU list will be a boon for Thai Airways International, the only major airline flying into Europe from Thailand.

The updated EU Air Safety List, which will be published today, consists of 228 airlines registered in 20 countries.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Sigh-of-relief-as-Thailand-spared-EASA-blacklist-30274683.html

-- The Nation 2015-12-11

[webfact]

The European Commission: EU Air Safety List will not include Thai carriers

BANGKOK, 11 December 2015 (NNT)– 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’.


-- NNT 2015-12-11

[webfact]

PM thanks EASA for sparing Thai airlines from flight ban

BANGKOK, 11 December 2015 (NNT) – Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has shown appreciation to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for not imposing a ban against Thai airlines while giving assurances that Thailand will earnestly tackle all problems in its aviation industry.

Following EASA’s decision to keep Thai-registered carriers excluded from the Air Safety List, Government Spokesperson Maj Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd stated that Prime Minister Prayut has expressed thanks to the agency for recognizing Thailand’s determination to solve its aviation safety problems.

The premier cited the resolution as a good sign that will lend support to Thailand’s continued efforts to raise its air safety standards. He said Thailand will now work even more closely with European authorities to address not only the points of concern raised by the International Civil Aviation Organization and the US Federal Aviation Administration but all persisting issues in the Thai aviation system.

Gen Prayut also encouraged all responsible units to continue to put in their best efforts and work together efficiently in a bid to salvage the country’s image and reputation in the aviation business.


-- NNT 2015-12-11

[webfact]

Thai airlines spared ban on flights to Europe by EASA



BANGKOK: -- The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has decided not to ban Thai airlines from flying over European skies but instead will monitor and help the country to upgrade its air safety standards.

European Commission said in a statement issued on Thursday that no Thai-registered airlines were added to its EU Air Safety List when the listing of carriers subject to operational ban in EU was updated Thursday. The statement said EU and EASA would 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 airlines from Thailand in the Air Safety List.

Mr Chula Sookmanop, director-general of Airports Department and acting director of National Civil Aviation Office, attributed EASA’s sparing of ban to Europe of Thai airlines to Thailand’s determination to resolve the aviation standards problem and its cooperation with EASA to resolve the problem.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/thai-airlines-spared-ban-on-flights-to-europe-by-easa


-- Thai PBS 2015-12-11

[webfact]

European Aviation Safety Agency Will Not Ban Thailand Airlines
BY JACOB MASLOW



BANGKOK: -- Thailand registered airlines will not suffer a ban in European skies following the announcement by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on Thursday. The EASA has yet to release the full report of the safety audit, but has stated that the agency will monitor the safety of Thai Airlines and help the country meet international safety standards for its airlines.

Thailand’s aviation sector was recently downgraded by the US Federal Aviation Administration. The downgrade has had no impact on Thai carriers as the last carrier to serve the U.S. ceased operation in the month of October. Thailand authorities suspected that the EASA would follow the lead of the FAA and ban air traffic from Thailand airlines.

Full story: http://ethailand.com/business-news/european-aviation-safety-agency-will-not-ban-thailand-airlines/725/

-- eThailand 2015-12-11

[Somtamnication]

Thailand, you are sooooooo lucky. Really, you are.

[NongKhaiKid]

Hi-5s all round, another scam and the EU fell for it or didn't have the balls or ... !

Feet up now until the next check by which time what will have actually been done and how many foreign experts / consultants actually hired ?

[webfact]

EU warns Thailand over air safety

BRUSSELS - EU regulators on Thursday issued a special warning over travelling on airlines from Thailand but stopped short of following last week's damaging US safety downgrade for a country heavily dependent on tourism.

The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, said Thailand would be closely monitored as it updated the bloc’s air safety blacklist.

While "no air carriers from Thailand were added to the Air Safety List at this time ... the Commission and European Aviation Safety Agency will however closely monitor future developments," the Commission said in a statement.

"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," it added.

The Commission gave no specific reasons for its action.

US authorities in their decision last week cited a series of shortcomings over "technical expertise, trained personnel, record-keeping, or inspection procedures."

The ruling was a huge setback to the junta of former army chief turned prime minister, Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who in response blamed successive civilian administrations for failing to tackle safety concerns over the last decade.

In the blacklist update for Europe, the European Union added Iraqi Airways but dropped Kazakh carrier Air Astana.

The current EU safety list covers 20 countries and some 230 airlines that are banned from flying Europe’s skies.

The countries where airlines are banned outright are -- Afghanistan, Angola, Benin, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Liberia, Libya, Mozambique, Nepal, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Sudan and Zambia.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/EU-warns-Thailand-over-air-safety-30274701.html


-- The Nation 2015-12-11

[ukrules]

I think the important question here is 'Boeing or Airbus ?'.....

Edited December 10, 2015 by ukrules

[harada]

I think the important question here is 'Boeing or Airbus ?'.....

Just going by the amount of back slapping and handshaking going on at the meeting on Tuesday I think you might be right on the money here.

[cumgranosalum]

"Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday thanked the EU for recognising Thailand's determination to improve its aviation safety standards" - actully the reality seems to be that when it comes to international standards...ON ANYTHING, Thai is perpetually on the borderline......they only do anything about it until the international community threatens them with sanctions or some other action. Their seems to be a general culture of "lets see how much we can get away with" before nyone sits up and takes notice.

it would be such a refreshing change to see Thai authorities being proactive rather than reactive in these areas...instead of wasting their time chasing pockets of opposition around internally they should maybe listen to what they hae to say and act on that instead.

[asdecas]

I think the important question here is 'Boeing or Airbus ?'.....

Just going by the amount of back slapping and handshaking going on at the meeting on Tuesday I think you might be right on the money here.

I hear there was a wild all-night party in Toulouse last night, lots of girls....

[Echo Tango]

<deleted>!? As a former airline pilot, I can assure Thai Visa users that the EU is more strict than the U.S. when it comes to aviation safety. How in the hell did Thailand pass the EU inspection after the U.S. busted them down to category 2? Earlier poster is correct: Airbus or Boeing?

[gchurch259]

Has anyone seen a through/complete list of the findings against DCA and the Airlines ??

[miamiman]

The EU standards? That says it all.

[6NS]

"Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday thanked the EU for recognising Thailand's determination to improve its aviation safety standards" - actully the reality seems to be that when it comes to international standards...ON ANYTHING, Thai is perpetually on the borderline......they only do anything about it until the international community threatens them with sanctions or some other action. Their seems to be a general culture of "lets see how much we can get away with" before nyone sits up and takes notice.

it would be such a refreshing change to see Thai authorities being proactive rather than reactive in these areas...instead of wasting their time chasing pockets of opposition around internally they should maybe listen to what they hae to say and act on that instead.

I agree,

Thailand's focus does always/or almost always, seem to be on street level where there is immediate cash.

Thailand, in my opinion needs to higher outside help in many industries. They could start with this issue with air travel and use what they learn and follow up with ground carriers safety measures.

I think their first step is to understand they cannot do it without help.

But, I may be wrong, and it may just be that they have not enough dollars (in the air travel industry).

Buy the above certainly applies to Road carriers. Get them off the road until the business owners learn how to perform safety measures.

I wouldn't know how to implement safety measures,,, I'd have to ask for help.

[SuwadeeS]

The EASA and the EU have no balls.

Edited December 11, 2015 by SuwadeeS

[KOZMO]

Thailand, you are sooooooo lucky. Really, you are.

Just wait till the next crash of these great airlines !!! Stock up on BLACK PAINT !!!!! Well, Paris has 57 Terrorists working on the planes at De gaul and Thailand has Rice Farmers doing Inspections????

[Tatsujin]

Wow, I am very surprised, they must have made some big promises and backhanders to get this one done. With new purchases from Airbus factoring into this somewhere?

[geriatrickid]

From the EASA

On 8 December 2015 EASA signed a cooperation arrangement on aviation safety with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand. "The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is encouraged by the Thai government's determination to resolve problems involving the kingdom's aviation industry", said Patrick Ky.

The above is a polite way of saying that the EU will be directing the rehabilitation effort. Read between the lines.

[hansnl]

<deleted>!? As a former airline pilot, I can assure Thai Visa users that the EU is more strict than the U.S. when it comes to aviation safety. How in the hell did Thailand pass the EU inspection after the U.S. busted them down to category 2? Earlier poster is correct: Airbus or Boeing?

[BlindMagician]

One of the corrective measures proposed by the circus master is to have more young people...getting to the heart of the technical and procedural matters then big uncle cuddles. Apply the same to all the cronies?

[waldroj]

Finally, some good news for Thailand.

[motyduke]

I hope thailand Will take this chance to really improve air lines and safety regulations . I worry they Will rest on this air bowl and wait doing nothing . Time go Quick and next time or with an accident it Will be no chance at all

[mancub]

Aside from the National carrier,which other Thai operators actually fly to Europe....any ?

[Dustdevil]

I think the important question here is 'Boeing or Airbus ?'.....

Good point. Boeing just lost the Thais as a future market.

[Dustdevil]

<deleted>!? As a former airline pilot, I can assure Thai Visa users that the EU is more strict than the U.S. when it comes to aviation safety. How in the hell did Thailand pass the EU inspection after the U.S. busted them down to category 2? Earlier poster is correct: Airbus or Boeing?

I have to take issue with that. First, crashes among US carriers are extremely rare. Second, what the hell happened with the Lufthansa no-frills airliner with the suicide captain whose oversight was appallingly weak?

[zaphod reborn]

EASA, like FIFA, has demonstrated it can be bought. Didn't AOT just announce it had entered into a contract with EASA for safety consultation services?

[taff33]

<deleted>!? As a former airline pilot, I can assure Thai Visa users that the EU is more strict than the U.S. when it comes to aviation safety. How in the hell did Thailand pass the EU inspection after the U.S. busted them down to category 2? Earlier poster is correct: Airbus or Boeing?

Brown envelopes maybe,who knows?

[bangon04]

Hi-5s all round, another scam and the EU fell for it or didn't have the balls or ... !

Feet up now until the next check by which time what will have actually been done and how many foreign experts / consultants actually hired ?

""Several measures are planned,"

same as last time