VIENNA (dpa-AFX) - The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued the first single air safety authorizations to 22 third country operators, certifying their compliance with European safety standards. These certifications will be valid throughout the EU.
During a ceremony held Thursday at Brussels airport, EASA's Executive Director Patrick Ky signed single safety authorizations to 22 airlines originating from all over the world and covering different business segments. He said a total of 700 foreign air carriers from more than 100 countries have already applied to be authorized to fly in the European Union.
By November 2016, all non-EU airlines wishing to fly to the EU, regardless of whether they already fly to the EU, will be required to hold an authorization certifying their compliance with international safety standards. This new system complements the two existing EU-wide tools to prevent unsafe airlines from operating in the EU: the air safety list, which was updated on 25 June, and the system for aircraft ramp inspections SAFA (Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft).
The new authorization system does not apply to EU airlines, which are still subject to safety oversight and certification by National Aviation Authorities.
Additional authorizations will be signed in the coming months.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX