EC updates black list of banned airlines
Vicky Karantzavelou, Travel Daily News, 9/12/2007 (excerpted)
The fifth update of the Community's list of airlines banned in the European Union has been adopted by the European Commission yesterday (11 September). This was first drawn up in March 2006 and last amended in July. With this update the Commission is banning in the European Union two new airlines that have been found to be unsafe: Ukrainian Mediterranean Airlines from Ukraine and the Iranian company, Mahan Air.
"This latest update illustrates once more that the black list is a dynamic instrument which the Commission can use whenever necessary, without having to wait for the quarterly reviews", said Jacques Barrot, Commission Vice-President in charge of transport.
On the basis of notifications from several Member States, the Commission questioned the two carriers (Ukrainian Mediterranean Airlines and Mahan Air) and the respective national civil aviation authorities responsible for their supervision. It also consulted the committee of Member State air safety experts, whose task it is to assist the Commission in such matters and who unanimously approved the bans.
To see the updated black list click http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air-ban/list_en.htm