Malacañang vows to keep Category 1 aviation status

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang vows to make sure the country complies with international aviation safety standards to retain the Category 1 status given by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

In a radio interview on Saturday, April 12, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government will make sure there would be no significant safety concerns that could be raised anew against the Philippines.

The country regained on Thursday a Category 1 rating from US FAA after the European Union (EU) lifted a ban it imposed on Philippine carriers.

A Category 1 standing means Philippine aviation has complied with international safety standards set by the United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Valte said this good development would benefit the passengers as airline companies would have increased flights and new destinations.

“As the Philippines goes from strength to strength as a desirable tourist destination, these upgrades add momentum to the realization around the world of a truth we have always known: that it is more fun in the Philippines,” she said.

The Philippines used to hold a Category 1 rating until January 2008, when it was downgraded to Category 2 by the FAA.

A Category 2 rating means a country either lacks laws or regulations necessary to oversee air carriers in accordance with minimum international standards, or its civil aviation authority is deficient in one or more areas such as technical expertise, trained personnel, record keeping or inspection procedures.

Malacañang earlier lauded the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) for the commitment and hard work they “demonstrated in rectifying the lapses and inaction of the past.”

CAAP, for its part, said it needs to hire young people “to make sure that Category I is maintained.” (READ: CAAP needs ‘young blood’ to keep Category 1 status)

Valte said this development has confirmed “that the Philippines works – that a government committed to true service can reverse the negative conditions of the past, and work with the private sector to put in place firm foundations for even greater success: that of the Philippine aviation and tourism industries, and, more importantly, that of our thrust for inclusive growth.” – Rappler.com