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28 March 2024

Thai airlines, air operators under increased UAE surveillance

This ensures implementation of effective ramp inspections on visiting foreign aircraft. (SUPPLIED)

Published
By Wam

The General Civil Aviation Authority of UAE has increased its inspection on airplanes and aviation operators from Thailand following the announcement of safety gaps in the Thai civil aviation system.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, recently conducted a safety oversight audit on Thailand resulting in the issuance of a significant safety concern (SSC), indicating that Thailand is not providing sufficient safety oversight to ensure the effective implementation of applicable ICAO standards.

As a result of this concern, the UAE has increased its surveillance on all Thai operators.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority in the UAE, said: "Since the safety of air transport and the UAE public is of paramount importance, all operators that come into the UAE are inspected on a frequent basis."

Ismaeil Mohamed Al Balooshi, Assistant Director-General for Aviation Safety Affairs Sector, said: "Effective 1st April 2015, the UAE has increased its inspections on Thai operators. To date, the safety performance of Thai operators has been satisfactory when operating to the UAE."

Matar Rashed Al Suwaidi, Acting Director of Foreign Operators, said: "We will carefully continue to observe the performance of Thai operators and will consider, if and when required, any further measures to ensure air safety within the UAE is not compromised in any situation."

The GCAA has in place a well-structured surveillance programme. All foreign operators that come into the UAE are encouraged to submit a Foreign Operators Questionnaire that is assessed using a risk-based methodology. In addition, the GCAA has in place a Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft Programme, as being participating state to the EU Ramp Inspection Programme.

This ensures implementation of effective ramp inspections on visiting foreign aircraft. Furthermore, the GCAA closely analyses any safety information that is received through the in-house GCAA reporting systems, or through national and international bodies.