In 2006 the European Commission for the very first time issued a list of air carriers that were forbidden to operate within the European Union. It then contained the names of 92 airlines. EU has now prepared an updated ‘black list’ presented several days ago. Currently 273 airlines are banned from crossing the European airspace. 70% of the countries on the list are African, the rest are from Asia and the CIS. Airlines seeking to avoid losses resulting from the ban often try to increase their capabilities by searching for alternative routes. However, FL Technics Training experts argue that the problem should be tackled in a more complex manner. Airlines that aspire to become equal partners in the global market must invest into their management, training, modern aircraft and their maintenance.
“Aviation is one of the most controlled and especially strictly regulated areas. In order to ensure the compliance with the ICAO SARPs the responsible parties must put in a lot of efforts in reforming the existing civil aviation system. That, obviously, requires not only well-trained and experienced pilots, investments in modern technology and fleet renewal, but also highly qualified top-notch technical personnel,” says the Deputy Head of FL Technics Training Dainius Sakalauskas.
According to D.Sakalauskas, a great example is Indonesia - the government shows considerable efforts to improve the aviation system through legal regulations, institution structuring, modernization of certification procedures and stricter supervision of local airlines. The country has achieved particularly good results in reforming four of its carriers – Garuda, Airfast, Mandala and Premier. The positive outcome of the reforms is a result of close cooperation with the European Commission, its member states and industry representatives as well as support from third parties that provided knowledge and means to ensure that all aviation institutions had the necessary capabilities to solve all problems and deal with relevant issues.
In regard to the list FL Technics Training experts have prepared a specialized training program entitled ‘Comprehensive Practical Knowledge of the EU List of Carriers Subject to an Operating Ban’ designed to equip airlines and civil aviation institutions with the necessary knowledge enabling them to solve safety issues more effectively and increase the number of highly qualified professionals.