11-Dec-2015 11:29 AM
European Commission adds Iraqi Airways, takes off Air Astana from updated EU air safety list
European Commission (EC) updated (10-Dec-2015) the EU Air Safety List, the list of airlines that are subject to an operating ban or operational restrictions within the EU. The updated list comprises 230 airlines, including all airlines certified in 20 states as well as two individual airlines: Iraqi Airways and Blue Wing Airlines (Suriname). Major changes include:
- Air Astana (Kazakhstan), restricted since 2009, has been released from the list and is now allowed to operate in European airspace without restrictions. All other Kazakh air carriers remain on the list ;
- Iraqi Airways included, due to safety concerns.
For the first time the EASA has assembled the additional safety information supporting the EC's decisions through a new EU programme, the Third Country Operator authorisation. The list includes also includes seven airlines which are subject to operational restrictions, permitting flights into the EU with specific aircraft types:
- Afrijet and SN2AG (Gabon);
- Air Koryo (North Korea);
- Air Service Comores (the Comoros);
- Iran Air (Iran);
- TAAG Angolan Airlines (Angola);
- Air Madagascar (Madagascar). [more - original PR]