Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) today issued the following statement regarding ICAO USOAP (International Civil Aviation Organization Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program) audit findings on the Thai Department of Civil Aviation (DCA).
Mr. Charamporn Jotikasthira, THAI President, firmly stated that “THAI places safety first before finances.” No matter the outcome of the ICAO USOAP audits on Thai Department of Civil Aviation (Thai DCA), Thai Airways International (THAI) is committed to delivering the highest safety practices for the flying public. We have been and continue to follow above and beyond the requisite compliance requirements of air safety standards and regulations worldwide.
Regarding the ICAO USOAP findings, while the Thai DCA passed the last ICAO USOAP audit in 2005 with no Significant Safety Concerns (SSC) being issued, the recent audit resulted in findings that attributed to ICAO issuing an SCC. Though the findings are most undesirable, it can be viewed as a positive potential for Thailand in that the USOAP audit results will trigger a leap in improvements in aviation safety monitoring standards. The Royal Thai government is committed to bringing Thai DCA abreast to meet all requirements of aviation industry.
THAI continuously takes an active role in various international governmental and non-governmental safety-related activities, meetings and conferences. THAI also participates in many of the industry’s programs alongside manufacturers and other airline experts. These conferences serve to keep THAI’s human expertise updated on the latest developments and practices, which in turn are incorporated into THAI operations. THAI continuously reviews and implements safety technologies to operate our flights safely and efficiently, meeting required standards as well as exceeding standards that are required by external authorities.
Regarding the additional safety checks, throughout the past around the world, aviation authorities have been conducting regular safety checks on all airlines, including THAI (as they normally do with all carriers operating to their airports). Today, as a result of the ICAO USOAP findings on Thai DCA, THAI (and other Thai carriers) are being inspected more frequently. But this is normal practice by the aviation authorities and THAI welcomes it, as the results allow THAI to prove our dedication to safety practices.
THAI currently has dedicated a function under the office of the THAI President to immediately address all EC SAFA Ramp Inspection findings, with firm corrective actions and preventive measures being monitored and checked. The CEO himself chairs the SAFA readiness weekly meetings. He also approves and directs all improvements and implementations, and monitors each corrective action closely.
Through all THAI’s efforts in the past and currently, THAI would like the travelling public and partner airlines to have confidence in the safety and efficiency of THAI operations. THAI is doing all we can to assure authorities, customers, employees, business alliance and partners, and stakeholders that THAI is deeply committed to meeting compliance above and beyond the required standards and to conform to safety regulations, standards and best practices around the world.
