THAI unaffected by US downgrade
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Thai Airways International said it is spared from negative impacts to derive from the US aviation regulator's decision.
The US Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) decided to downgrade Civil Aviation Administration of Thailand (CAAT) status from Category I to Category II. The new status means that all airlines certified by the Thai aviation authorities are unable to increase flights or operate to new destinations in the United States.
THAI President Charamporn Jotikasthira said in a statement that THAI has operated no flight to the US, after the termination of its Bangkok-Los Angeles route on October 25.
“THAI confirms its commitment to aviation safety standards, and assures all that THAI operates with the highest international aviation safety standards,” he said.
The FAA’s move is a blow to the Thai aviation authorities which have been criticised of lax safety standards. It was believed that its decision would encourage the authorities in other countries to impose strict rules on Thai airlines.
