New push to solve ICAO safety concerns

New push to solve ICAO safety concerns

A new sub-committee has been set up to bring about a speedier conclusion to the problems in Thailand's aviation industry, said Transport Minister ACM Prajin Juntong.

The sub-committee -- the seventh of its kind -- will look into issues raised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) with the Department of Civil Aviation's (DCA) safety standards and will also speed up plans to set up a command centre tackling the problems raised.

The panel, headed by air force chief ACM Treetos Sonjaeng, met for the first time on Tuesday, said ACM Prajin, who heads the steering committee.

The panel is in the process of working out how it will fix the problems raised by the ICAO, but its chief task is to speed up the Transport Ministry's handling of the issue.

In response to the DCA's failure to meet a 90-day deadline to correct shortcomings earlier identified by the ICAO, Thailand received a red flag on June 18.

DCA director-general Parichart Khotcharat admitted progress was slow, especially in finding foreign experts to assist with reviewing air operator certificates.

More research was also needed on the legalities of potential contracts with outside consultants, as well as any potential economic and social impacts from their work as stated in Section 23 of the constitution, she said.

Finding funds to hire foreign experts was another dilemma for the department, she said.

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