Category 2 Rating Places Airlines Under Close Scrutiny

The US Federal Aviation Administration has lumped airline operations in the Philippines, with company they would probably rather avoid.

The Associated Press quotes the US Embassy in reporting the FAA has the industry under close scrutiny in the Philippines for inadequate safety standards. The so-called "Category 2" designation puts the Philippines on a list with Bangladesh, the Ivory Coast, Ghana and Indonesia. At this point, the only carrier in the country serving the US is Philippine Airlines.

The Philippine government does not have a body exactly equivalent to the FAA, or what other countries often call their Civil Aviation Authorities. Daniel Dimagiba, the head of the Philippine Air Transportation Office, says pending legislation would create a CAA, and provide $24 million in funding needed for upgrades to air traffic control infrastructure.

The Philippine congress has already approved the bill, but it is still awaiting the signature of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. AP was unable to reach anyone in the Arroyo government for comment.

For now, the FAA is not providing any details on what led to the Category 2 designation, only urging US travelers to fly only on carriers which meet the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

On the FAA's website, Category 2 is technically defined as lacking laws or regulations necessary to support the certification and oversight of air carriers in accordance with minimum international standards.

FMI: www.faa.gov