Published 21 Mar, 2012
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has found lingering deficiencies in Philippine air safety standards despite the country’s efforts to fix the problems.
Unqualified personnel inspect aircraft and airport facilities, inspectors accept free rides on the same airlines they are checking and airlines receive certification despite failing to meet requirements, according to a report summary made available to The Associated Press.
Safety and management concerns led the U.S. aviation watchdog to downgrade the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines in 2007 and limit U.S.-bound flights from the Philippines. In 2010, the European Union also blacklisted Philippine carriers.
Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas said Tuesday the government will take measures to address the deficiencies. He acknowledged that the FAA findings will adversely affect the Philippine airline industry and may discourage tourists.
Read the full article from Business Week here.