Aviation safety deal signed with EASA

BANGKOK, Dec 8 (TNA) -- Thailand’s Transport Ministry early Tuesday signed a commercial aviation safety cooperation agreement with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), two days before the latter issues its audit results on the kingdom’s aviation industry. Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittyapaisith presided over the signing of the ‘Cooperation Framework Arrangement on Aviation Safety.’ The accord was signed by Chula Sukmanop, director-general of Airport Department and also acting director of Office of Civil Aviation, and Patrick Ky, executive director of EASA. Mr Arkhom said the agreement was aimed at promoting and increasing civil aviation safety in Thailand. The accord also focuses on a cooperation in preparing rules and an exchange of personnel in which the EASA’s procedures and implementation will be used for safety of Thai airlines as well as improving the country’s aviation-related agencies and personnel, he added. EASA is scheduled to announce the results of its audit of Thailand’s aviation industry this Thursday after its authorities had conducted an audit of Thailand’s Airport Department and the Office of Civil Aviation and expressed concerns on training programmes for new pilots and reviewing air operator certificates. (TNA)