EASA Issues First Air Safety Authorizations to 22 Foreign Airlines
By 2016, all non-EU airlines wishing to fly to the European Union must have this certification. EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky said 700 foreign air carriers from more than 100 countries have applied to be authorized to fly in the EU.
The European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency on July 2 issued the first single air safety authorizations to 22 third country operators. The list includes Delta Airlines and United Airlines. The certifications will be valid throughout the EU.
By 2016, all non-EU airlines wishing to fly to the EU will be required to hold such an authorization certifying their compliance with international safety standards. EASA reports the objective of this new scheme is twofold: cutting red-tape by replacing today's maze of national authorizations with a single document and maintaining a high level of aviation safety in Europe.
"The new safety authorization scheme has a clear European added value. It will take the safety of Europeans one step further by ensuring that third country operators flying to Europe match the highest safety standards, comparable to those the EU requires from European carriers. The 'one-stop-shop' approach means cutting red tape and reducing administrative costs for airlines," said EU Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc.
EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky signed the authorizations at the Brussels airport. "Today, I am honored to deliver the first single safety authorisations to 22 airlines originating from all over the world and covering different business segments. This new system further increases the safety standards that passengers expect. A total of 700 foreign air carriers from more than 100 countries have already applied to be authorized to fly in the European Union," he said.
The new authorization system does not apply to EU airlines.