Philippine government lauds EU's lifting of air safety ban

The Philippine government on Wednesday night welcomed the decision of the European Union (EU) to lift the air safety ban on the country. EU's Air Safety Commission has announced that the Philippine Airlines, the country's flag carrier, can now resume direct flights to Europe. Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that with the lifting of the ban, this could boost tourism and enhance competitiveness, and facilitate the entry of investments from the eurozone. "The determination and hard work that have resulted in the upgrading of the country's aviation status will generate positive, far-reaching effects for the local aviation industry and the country in general," he said. He lauded the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) for its successful initiatives that led to the upgrade for Philippine aviation. "This positive development strengthens the resolve of CAAP as it continues to coordinate with other international aviation bodies to improve and upgrade the status of Philippine aviation," Lacierda said. EU said that it decided to lift the ban affecting the registered Philippine carrier after taking into account the improved safety oversight provided by the Philippine authorities, and the ability of the air carrier Philippine Airlines to ensure effective compliance with relevant aviation safety regulations, and following an on-site safety assessment visit last June. In 2010, the EU Commission banned Philippine carriers from flying to Europe based on previous findings of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Early this year, ICAO conducted an assessment on the efforts made by the Philippines to improve the situation. Last March, ICAO determined that the CAAP had addressed and resolved the significant safety concerns.