FAA returns Philippines to category 1 status

Even as India languishes in the category 2 status, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that the Republic of the Philippines complies with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and has been granted a Category 1 rating.

The country was downgraded to a Category 2 status in January 2008 which means the 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, record keeping or inspection procedures.

The upgrade back to category 1 status is based on a March 2014 FAA review of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. Airlines of the Philippines’ can now add flights and services to the United States and participate in code-share agreements by carrying the marketing flight codes of U.S. airlines on flights operated by Philippines’ carriers.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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