Philippine Airlines "gravely concerned" about EU ban on Philippine carriers

Philippine Airlines stated (31-Mar-2010) it is "gravely concerned" over the recent decision of the European Commission (EC) to ban all Philippine carriers from operating to member states. The carrier added that "safety remains the bedrock of PAL's operations", explaining that the blacklist is a "direct consequence of the downgrade of the Philippine government's aviation safety rating". [more]

Philippine Airlines: "PAL laments that the EC decision came about notwithstanding PAL's safety record, as borne out by its compliance with internationally accepted safety standards, including the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and audits by major foreign aviation regulatory authorities. For four consecutive years since 2006, PAL is the only IOSA-certified Philippine carrier," Company Statement, 31-Mar-2010.