FAA announces the Republic of the Philippines’ aviation safety rating has been raised to Category 1

US Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced (10-Apr-2014) that the Republic of the Philippines complies with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and has been granted a Category 1 rating. The country previously held a Category 1 rating until Jan-2008, when it was downgraded to a Category 2. 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 is deficient in one or more areas, such as technical expertise, trained personnel, record keeping or inspection procedures. The return to Category 1 status is based on a Mar-2014 FAA review of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. A Category 1 rating means the country's civil aviation authority complies with ICAO standards. With the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Category 1 rating, the Republic of the Philippines' air carriers can add flights and service to the US and carry the code of US carriers. Philippines' Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Joseph Abaya said the upgrade will significantly impact the country's tourism industry and improve Philippines-US trade and business relations. [more - original PR - US FAA] [more - original PR - DOTC]