U.S. Grants Philippines Category 1 Safety Rating
A Category 1 rating means that Filipino carriers can expand and add new service into the U.S.
The U.S Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reinstated a Category 1 rating to the Republic of the Philippines following the agency’s determination in March that the country meets international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The country held a Category 1 rating until January 2008, when the FAA downgraded it a Category 2 due its failure to meet certain safety criteria. A Category 2 rating means a country either lacks laws or regulations necessary to oversee air carriers in accordance with minimum international standards, or that its civil aviation authority exhibits a deficiency in one or more areas, such as technical expertise, trained personnel, record keeping or inspection procedures.
