[Avionics Today 04-08-2015] India has been granted a Category 1 rating under the FAA’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program, indicating that the country’s civil aviation authority is now in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards. U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced the improved safety rating Wednesday during a meeting with India’s Minister of Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju.
Air India Boeing 787. Photo: Air India.
India’s safety rating was originally downgraded to a Category 2 in January 2014, after the FAA raised concerns about an inadequate number of flight operation inspectors among other issues. Downgrading a country’s safety rating to a Category 2 prevents airlines in that country from increasing flights to the U.S., and imposes extra safety checks for existing flights.
“U.S. and Indian aviation officials have an important, cooperative working relationship,” said Foxx. “The United States government commends the government of India for taking corrective action to address the safety oversight issues identified during the IASA process.”