THAI Ready to Fly Directly to Europe

BANGKOK, Dec 20 (TNA) - Thai Airways International (THAI) is ready to fly directly to Europe after the national carrier has received an approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to be a ‘third country operator’ (TCO) and could fly to the European Union (EU) member countries, said THAI president Charamporn Jotikasthira. EASA earlier conducted an audit of Thailand’s Airport Department and the Office of Civil Aviation and expressed concerns on training programmes for new pilot and reviewing air operator certificates. The green light given by EASA has become effective since December 15 shows that the THAI’s has met the agency’s safety standards, said Mr. Charamporn. The EU has for the first time this year issued the TCO to fly to the EU and if any airline does not receive TCO, it cannot operate flights to the EU from November 2016, he said. Currently, THAI flies to 11 European cities. (TNA)