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AVIATION SAFETY AUDIT THREATENS All Thai THAI AIR SERVICES could be banned from EU airspace BY WILLIAM DENNIS new routes to the three countries. -BASED airlines face Long-haul low cost the risk of being banned by the carriers Thai Airasia X European Aviation Safety (TAX) and NokScoot have Agency (EASA) from flying to the already been hit by the ban. continent because of safety Launches of a daily TAX concerns and operations service to , , and a Voradech Hanprasert, deputy house in order or face more oversights, following an audit by NokScoot flight to Incheon, permanent secretary at the problems,” Prajin pointed out. the International Civil Aviation Korea, in May have both been Ministry of Transport in There are currently 13 Organisation (ICAO). cancelled. NokScoot is a joint , expressed the Thai Thai-based carriers. The six A possible downgrade of venture between government’s concern that FAA major airlines are TAI, Bangkok Thailand’s safety rating from and . and EASA could put Thailand on Airways, TAX, Thai Airasia, Category 1 to Category 2 by US In Beijing an official at the their watchlist. OTA and NokScoot watchdog Federal Aviation Civil Aviation Administration of EASA has previously banned Meanwhile in , the Administration could also be , Li Mao, says Orient Thai Indonesian and Filipino carriers Department of Civil Aviation has looming. Airlines (OTA) and charter from flying into the EU because given budget airline Malindo Air ICAO identified shortcomings operator Sky View Airlines have of safety issues. six months from 28 February to in 69 of the 90 areas inspected been barred from adding new Thailand’s Minister for rectify issues pertaining to during an audit on Thailand’s flights. Transport, Air Chief Marshal documentation, management of Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA). EASA and other countries Prajin Juntong, ackowledged aircraft and flight operations of While ICAO is in no position to could take similar action. Flag that Thailand has struggled for face the possibility of further downgrade Thailand’s safety carrier Thai Airways 10 years to comply with ICAO action. Malindo is a joint venture status, China, Korea and Japan International (TAI) is the only standards, and pledged to between Lion Air of Indonesia have banned Thai carriers from Thailand-based airline flying to improve matters. “We will have and the National Aerospace & flying charters and launching Europe currently. to work doubly hard to put our Defence Industries of Malaysia.

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www.EandTmagazine.com May 2015 Engineering & Technology

C2201_R20341_News_19.BK.indd 19 17/04/2015 14:16