The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recently lifted a red flag warning about Thailand’s aviation safety standards after more than two years in place, following a safety audit conducted in late September 2017. The move should have a significant, positive impact on the Thai aviation sector.

In an article by Airfinance Journal, published on October 9, 2017, John Frangos, a consultant in Tilleke & Gibbins’ dispute resolution department, explained the relationship between this positive measure and a decision to ban twelve specific carriers from operating international flights, which arose out of the same safety audit.

He observes that those twelve airlines “will still have to meet the full recertification criteria. It would reflect very badly on the CAAT if the airlines don’t have to meet the criteria now that the red flag has been lifted.”

 “The airlines had to undergo [air operator’s certification] so the [Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand] could show ICAO, as part of the audit, that necessary measures are being taken to ensure Thai-registered airlines fully comply with the recertification requirements,” John explained.

Airfinance Journal  is a news and analysis provider for airlines and aviation industry capital providers. You can read the full article, entitled “Analysis: Thailand’s red flag lifted,” on the Airfinance Journal website (subscription required).