(10)

Following the analysis by EASA of information resulting from ramp inspections carried out on aircraft of Union air carriers or from standardisation inspections carried out by EASA, as well as specific inspections and audits carried out by national aviation authorities, several Member States have taken certain enforcement measures and informed the Commission and the Air Safety Committee about those measures. Greece informed that the Hellenic CAA performed inspections on Gain Jet Aviation and Skygreece Airlines. On the occasion of the additional inspections no major problems were identified.

(11)

Should any relevant safety information indicate that there are imminent safety risks as a consequence of a lack of compliance by Union air carriers with the appropriate safety standards, Member States reiterated their readiness to act as necessary.

(12)

Regulation (EC) No 474/2006, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1197/2011 (6), allows TAAG Angolan Airlines certified in Angola, to operate into the Union four aircraft of type Boeing 737-700 with registration marks D2-TBF, D2-TBG, D2-TBH and D2- TBJ, three aircraft of type Boeing 777-200 with registration marks D2-TED, D2-TEE and D2-TEF, and two aircraft of type Boeing 777-300 with registration marks D2-TEG and D2-TEH.

(13)

TAAG Angolan Airlines has submitted on 21 November 2014, through the competent authorities of Angola (INAVIC), a request to add a new aircraft of type Boeing 777-300 to Annex B to Regulation (EC) No 474/2006. However, there are persistent difficulties to establish and maintain regular contact with INAVIC as well as with TAAG Angolan Airlines. These difficulties extend also to INAVIC's contacts with ICAO, which has led in the recent past to a number of cancellations of previously scheduled ICAO audits. This indicates that there are internal communication problems within both TAAG Angolan Airlines and INAVIC as well as between them, which makes it difficult to adequately assess whether the granting of the request by TAAG Angolan Airlines would entail safety risks. Therefore, the Commission considers that the most appropriate way to proceed is to request both INAVIC as well as TAAG Angolan Airlines to fully engage with the Commission in the near future, with a view to thoroughly reviewing the current safety situation in all its aspects, including with regard to the addition of new aircraft to the fleet of TAAG Angolan Airlines.

(14)

In accordance with the common criteria set out in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005, it is therefore assessed that there are at this stage no grounds for amending the Community list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the Union by including additional aircraft operated by TAAG Angolan Airlines.

(15)

Member States are to continue to verify effective compliance by TAAG Angolan Airlines with the relevant safety standards, through the prioritisation of ramp inspections to be carried out on aircraft of this air carrier pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 965/2012.

(16)

In April 2013, ICAO conducted an ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM) in Botswana. The results of that ICVM were partly positive: the Effective Implementation improved. However, there was also a negative result, given that two SSCs were identified. Furthermore, since 2010, two accidents occurred with aircraft registered in Botswana.

(17)

Based on the available information, the current lack of effective implementation of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, the two SSCs, the two accidents and the intermittent communication between the Commission and the Civil Aviation Authority Botswana (CAAB), the Commission requested information as regards air carriers certified in Botswana in a letter of 8 July 2014 to CAAB.

(18)

CAAB replied on 3 October 2014, providing the requested information with a view to showing the State's effective implementation of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices and resolving the two SSCs.

(19)

On the basis of that information, it appears that CAAB would like ICAO to conduct another ICVM before the end of this year, in order to verify that the corrective actions that were taken are sufficient to resolve the two SSCs.

(20)

The assessment of the information provided further indicates that all air carriers were recertified and had been provided with new Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) on the same date. This will lead to a peak in workload for CAAB every time these AOCs need to be renewed. The CAAB has developed a surveillance program for the safety oversight of the air carriers, but the implementation of this program is behind schedule. Finally, during the oversight activities only a limited number of findings is recorded and as a consequence, it is difficult to determine the capacity of the CAAB to resolve emerging safety issues. In order to clarify these issues, additional information will be requested by the Commission and the CAAB will be invited by the Commission to a technical meeting to discuss any further details with respect to the safety oversight situation in Botswana.

(21)

In accordance with the common criteria set out in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005, it is therefore assessed that there are at this stage no grounds for amending the Community list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the Union by including air carriers from Botswana.

(22)

Consultations with the competent authorities of Georgia (GCAA) continue with the aim of monitoring the implementation by GCAA of the corrective action plan developed in response to the SSC identified during the ICAO Comprehensive System Audit (CSA) of Georgia in October 2013.

(23)

On the basis of the information provided by GCAA relating to the actions being taken by GCAA to have the SSC lifted, the Commission did not deem it necessary to ask the GCAA to appear before the Air Safety Committee. The Commission reported to the Air Safety Committee about the implementation of the Corrective Action Plan developed by GCAA.

(24)

In accordance with the common criteria set out in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005, it is therefore assessed that there are at this stage no grounds for amending the Community list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the Union by including air carriers from Georgia.

(25)

As agreed in the meeting held in Brussels in January 2013, the competent authorities of the Republic of Guinea (DNAC) have regularly provided information on the ongoing implementation of the Corrective Action Plan, which was approved by ICAO in December 2012, as well as all the activities linked to it.

(26)

The latest progress report, received on 21 October 2014, details the most recent activities and developments regarding the implementation of the Corrective Action Plan. The training of staff continues in order to further reinforce the oversight capacity, mainly in the areas of airworthiness and operations. DNAC has continued to address the remaining USOAP findings in terms of the associated protocol questions, through the use of ICAO's Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA) online tool. Between the beginning of August and the end of September 2014 ICAO has conducted an off-site validation of the protocol questions amenable to remote verification. As a result, the overall effective implementation of the eight critical elements showed a slight improvement.

(27)

A legislative initiative to transform DNAC in an independent, financially and operationally autonomous civil aviation authority, with its own management structure, is in preparation. The Civil Aviation Authority of Guinea (AGAC), fully in line with ICAO requirements, is expected to be enacted by January 2015.

(28)

All previously existing AOCs were suspended at the end of March 2013. The full ICAO-compliant (5-phase) certification of the national air carrier PROBIZ Guinée, with one aircraft of type BE90, is still ongoing, with the help and support of a specific mission of the African Civil Aviation Conference/Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organisation, including simultaneous on-the-job training of DNAC's inspectors on the whole process. Two other air carriers — Eagle Air Guinée and Sahel Aviation Service Guinée — have also initiated the certification process. DNAC, with the support of the regional ICAO Dakar office, expects to conclude the certification process for all three air carriers by the end of 2014.

(29)

DNAC requested an ICVM in order to validate the progress in the implementation of the Corrective Action Plan. ICAO had initially planned to conduct the ICVM in May 2014. Senior management changes at the Ministry of Transport caused a delay and the ICVM was tentatively planned for the second half of September 2014. The ongoing Ebola outbreak has now put the ICVM, as well as an ICAO assistance mission initially planned for July 2014, on indefinite hold.

(30)

In accordance with the common criteria set out in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005, it is therefore assessed that there are at this stage no grounds for amending the Community list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the Union by including air carriers from the Republic of Guinea.

(31)

Should any relevant safety information indicate that there are imminent safety risks as a consequence of lack of compliance with international safety standards, the Commission may be forced to take action in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005.

(32)

On 7 November 2014, a technical meeting took place in Brussels. The Commission and EASA, as well as senior representatives from the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) attended the meeting. The meeting was held with respect to India's compliance with international safety and oversight obligations, including the decision by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to downgrade India's compliance status from category 1 to category 2, as a result of deficiencies identified during an International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) audit. DGCA provided details pertaining to the status of its corrective actions to address the findings that resulted from the FAA compliance category downgrade. DGCA reiterated that it had taken action to address the majority of the FAA findings and that it has established a structured corrective action plan with respect to remaining areas of concern. In addition, in the technical meeting DGCA presented information pertaining to the issue of sustainability and the ongoing improvements in this regard.

(33)

During that technical meeting DGCA gave its commitment to fully engage in a safety dialogue with the Commission, including through additional meetings if and when deemed necessary by the Commission. DGCA also committed to provide the Commission with any relevant safety information, as part of the official consultations with the authorities that have responsibility for regulatory oversight over the air carriers certified in India pursuant to the provisions laid out in Article 3(2) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 473/2006.

(34)

On the basis of the information provided at the technical meeting of 7 November 2014 and the commitments taken by DGCA on that occasion, the Commission does not deem it necessary at this stage to impose operating restrictions on Indian air carriers.

(35)

In accordance with the common criteria set out in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005, it is therefore assessed that there are at this stage no grounds for amending the Community list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the Union by including air carriers from India.

(36)

Member States are to continue to verify the effective compliance with relevant safety standards through the prioritisation of ramp inspections to be carried out on Indian air carriers pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 965/2012.

(37)

Consultations with the competent authorities of Indonesia (DGCA) continue with the aim of monitoring the progress of DGCA in ensuring that the safety oversight of all air carriers certified in Indonesia is in compliance with international safety standards.

(38)

The efforts of DGCA to reach an aviation system fully compliant with ICAO standards are acknowledged. The necessary transparency shown by DGCA, as well as the willingness to share information, has also been noted.

(39)

ICAO performed a CSA in the period 5 to 14 May 2014. The final report of this audit became available on 18 November 2014 and the results of the audit show that the safety oversight system in Indonesia still needs substantial improvement. DGCA has proposed a Corrective Action Plan to ICAO, in order to resolve the findings stemming from this audit.

(40)

In September 2014, the National Transportation Safety Committee of Indonesia published the final report on the Lion Air accident that occurred on 13 April 2013 in Bali. The comprehensive report gives an analysis of the accident and provides safety recommendations to the air carrier and the DGCA, amongst others.

(41)

At present, there is however no objective and conclusive evidence that the implementation of the Corrective Action Plan and safety recommendations are adequate.

(42)

In a letter of 20 October 2014, DGCA informed the Commission that four new air carriers had been certified since the last update, namely AOC No 121-042 had been issued to PT. MY INDO Airlines on 15 August 2014, AOC No 121-054 had been issued to PT Indonesia Air Asia Extra on 28 August 2014, AOC No 135-052 had been issued to PT. Elang Lintas Indonesia on 28 February 2014 and AOC No 135-053 had been issued to PT. Elang Nusantara Air on 12 March 2014. However, DGCA did not provide evidence that the safety oversight of those air carriers is ensured in compliance with international safety standards.

(43)

In accordance with the common criteria set out in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005, it is therefore assessed that the Community list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the Union should be amended to include those four air carriers in Annex A to Regulation (EC) No 474/2006.

(44)

Consultations with the competent authorities of Kazakhstan (CAC) continue with the aim of monitoring the progress of CAC in ensuring that the safety oversight of all air carriers certified in Kazakhstan is in compliance with international aviation safety standards.

(45)

CAC informed the Commission of the developments related to the ICVM that took place from 27 May to 4 June 2014 in Kazakhstan, including the status of the two SSCs identified by ICAO in 2009. In particular, CAC indicated that one SSC pertaining to the issuance of certificates of airworthiness of aircraft was resolved, whilst a second one pertaining to the certification process for the issuance of AOCs was maintained.

(46)

Air Astana also provided its regular update on safety related developments within that air carrier, in particular regarding recent changes in its fleet that is at present allowed to operate in the Union. Most of the new additions are newly manufactured aeroplanes being leased in on a financial leasing basis. There is also a certain increase in the current and planned level of operations.

(47)

On the basis of the available information concerning the safety oversight system of Kazakhstan, it is considered that the Kazakh aviation authorities experience a shortage of sufficiently trained and experienced inspectors to lead certification tasks regarding AOCs and special authorisations and that they cannot at this stage ensure a continued oversight in the area of flight operations. The Kazakh authorities are therefore strongly encouraged to step up their efforts to reach compliance with international safety standards.

(48)

The Commission and EASA intend to closely monitor the progress of CAC to hire, retain and qualify its inspectors as well as the steps taken by the CAC to implement the CAP related to the remaining SSC.

(49)

On 29 September 2014, the Commission requested from CAC updated information regarding air carriers under CAC's oversight, in particular information relating to the revocation of AOCs. In its reply, CAC informed the Commission about the AOCs issued in Kazakhstan and provided evidence on the revocation of three AOCs, namely the AOCs of Jet One, Luk Aero and Air Trust Aircompany.

(50)

In accordance with the common criteria set out in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005, it is therefore assessed that the Community list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the Union should be amended to remove Jet One, Luk Aero and Air Trust Aircompany from Annex A to Regulation (EC) No 474/2006.

(51)

Member States are to continue to verify the effective compliance with relevant safety standards through the prioritisation of ramp inspections to be carried out on aircraft of Air Astana pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 965/2012.

(52)

By letters dated 18 October 2014 and 13 November 2014 the competent authority of the Kyrgyz Republic (KG CAA) provided updated information about the air carriers certified in that country, which are currently subject to an operating ban in the Union. According to these letters and the accompanying documentation, KG CAA has suspended the AOCs of four air carriers, namely Kyrgyz Airlines, SAEMES, Supreme Aviation and Click Airways, and it has revoked the AOC of Kyrgyz Trans Avia. Under the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic, the suspension of an AOC is equivalent to its revocation, when the holder of the suspended certificate has not applied for a certification procedure within three months following the suspension. Kyrgyz Airlines, SAEMES, Supreme Aviation and Click Airways have not applied for such certification since the suspension of their AOC. Consequently, their AOCs can be deemed revoked.

(53)

In accordance with the common criteria set out in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005, it is therefore assessed that the Community list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the Union should be amended to remove Kyrgyz Airlines, SAEMES, Supreme Aviation, Click Airways and Kyrgyz Trans Avia from Annex A to Regulation (EC) No 474/2006.

(54)

Consultations with the competent authorities of Lebanon (DGCA Lebanon) continue with the aim of confirming that Lebanon is addressing the deficiencies established by ICAO during the ICVM performed in Lebanon from 5 to 11 December 2012. DGCA Lebanon has established a Corrective Action Plan and is in the process of carrying out those actions, particularly in relation to the SSC with respect to the certification of air carriers in Lebanon.

(55)

During a technical meeting on 14 July 2014, DGCA Lebanon provided information on the change in its management, the appointment of new staff both employed by DGCA Lebanon and seconded by Middle East Airlines, improved identification of the root causes for the SSC and the awareness at political level with respect to the improvements that need to be made in Lebanon. DGCA Lebanon provided the full list of current AOCs in Lebanon and information with respect to the renewal of AOC of two air carriers.

(56)

DGCA Lebanon informed the Commission that the report on the resolution of the SSC was sent to ICAO. However, at present, those corrective actions still have to be verified.

(57)

On 14 and 15 October 2014, an informal visit by the Commission to DGCA Lebanon took place. During this visit, Lebanon highlighted the progress made at the DGCA since July 2014, due in particular to good communication with the Union. Lebanon is taking seriously the SSC that was raised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, and checked all AOCs. DGCA Lebanon stressed that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation now has full authority to monitor all safety aspects on all airlines, albeit that there is not yet an autonomous and adequately resourced civil aviation authority. Lebanon provided additional information on its Aviation Safety Action Plan on 9 November 2014, including plans for the further development of an autonomous civil aviation authority.

(58)

In light of the foregoing, consultations with the Lebanese authorities are to continue in accordance with Article 3(2) of Regulation (EC) No 473/2006.

(59)

In accordance with the common criteria set out in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005, it is therefore assessed that at this stage there are no grounds for amending the Community list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the Union by including air carriers from Lebanon.

(60)

Should any relevant safety information indicate that there are imminent safety risks as a consequence of a lack of compliance with international safety standards, the Commission may be forced to take further action in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005.

(61)

In April 2012, the competent authorities of Libya (LYCAA) agreed to restrict all air carriers certified in Libya from operating in the Union. The intention was to allow LYCAA time to re-certify those air carriers and to establish sufficient oversight capabilities to ensure compliance with international safety standards.

(62)

The Commission has monitored the effectiveness of those restrictions. The Commission has also carried out regular consultations with LYCAA on its progress in reforming its civil aviation safety system.

(63)

Until March 2014, some progress had been observed, both at the level of LYCAA as well as at the level of the main air carriers, Libyan Airlines and Afriqiyah Airways. However, certification of those air carriers took much longer than expected.

(64)

As the Commission stated in April 2014 (7), before LYCAA could be allowed to issue an authorisation to its carriers to operate in the Union, it should be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Commission that the re-certification process has been effectively completed and that there is sustainable continued oversight in accordance with ICAO standards.

(65)

However, the security situation in Libya deteriorated significantly in the course of June and July 2014, notably following the outbreak of violence on and around Tripoli International Airport. This unstable security situation continues to prevail. The violence has resulted in severe destruction of and damage to buildings, infrastructure and aircraft on the ground at Tripoli International Airport, rendering the airport as well as the local airspace unusable.

(66)

In view of the unclear status of the capabilities of LYCAA to properly oversee its air carriers following the violence and the lack of a stable and effective government, the Commission does no longer have the necessary confidence that LYCAA still has the authority to restrict Libyan air carriers from operating in the Union. In addition, the Commission is not convinced of the ability of LYCAA to fulfil its international obligations with regard to safety oversight of its air carriers. The Commission is further concerned about the large number of aircraft damaged during the violence and questions whether their continuing airworthiness is being appropriately accounted for.

(67)

The oral presentation to the Commission and the Air Safety Committee, given by LYCAA on 25 November 2014, on its actions to ensure aviation safety in Libya made it clear that, despite the efforts undertaken by LYCAA under its current leadership, substantial concerns remain about imminent aviation safety risks not being sufficiently contained. Those concerns are substantially reinforced by the ongoing instability.

(68)

Due to the unclear status of the capabilities of LYCAA to adequately oversee Libyan air carriers and to control imminent safety risks, it is assessed that LYCAA cannot fulfil its international obligations in relation to aviation safety.

(69)

In accordance with the common criteria set out in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005, it is therefore assessed that the Community list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the Union should be amended to include all air carriers certified in Libya in Annex A to Regulation (EC) No 474/2006.

(70)

Consultations with the competent authorities of Madagascar have continued actively with the purpose of monitoring the progress of these authorities in ensuring that the safety oversight of all air carriers certified in Madagascar is in compliance with international safety standards.

(71)

The Commission, assisted by EASA, held a consultation meeting on 23 October 2014 with the competent authorities of Madagascar and representatives of the air carrier Air Madagascar. At this meeting, the air carrier provided information about its fleet evolution and in particular informed that two aircraft of type Boeing 737, which are mentioned in Annex B to Regulation (EU) No 474/2006, will be gradually replaced as of 2015 by aircraft of the same type, and that an aircraft of type ATR 72-600 will be added to the fleet during the first quarter of 2015.

(72)

On 10 November 2014, the air carrier Air Madagascar made the request to have Annex B modified, in order to allow operations of the new aircraft of type Boeing 737 that will replace the existing aircraft of type Boeing 737 in its fleet, as well as the operations of the aircraft of type ATR 72-600 that will be added to the fleet.

(73)

Air Madagascar provided evidence that the safety performance of its fleet has improved. The competent authorities of Madagascar stated that, with regard to the operations conducted with the aircraft of type Boeing B737, they are satisfied with the current level of compliance demonstrated by Air Madagascar with respect to ICAO requirements. Member States and EASA confirmed that no specific concern arose from ramp checks carried out at Union airports in the framework of the SAFA programme.

(74)

In accordance with the common criteria set out in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005, it is therefore assessed that the Community list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the Union should be amended with regard to Air Madagascar. Annex B to Regulation (EC) No 474/2006 should be amended to allow the operation of aircraft of type B737 series as well as aircraft of type ATR 72/42 series, that are or will be listed on the AOC of Air Madagascar.

(75)

Member States will continue to verify the effective compliance with relevant safety standards through the prioritisation of ramp inspections to be carried out on aircraft of Air Madagascar pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 965/2012.

(76)

EASA informed the Commission about reports showing serious safety deficiencies and a persistent failure by the air carrier Mauritania Airlines International (MAI) to address deficiencies identified by ramp inspections performed under the SAFA programme. Those deficiencies are related to flight preparation and performance calculations. Despite some improvement as regards the condition of aircraft, the nature and severity of the recent findings have a direct impact on the safety of operations and require corrective actions.

(77)

The Commission has directly informed the competent national authorities (ANAC) and Mauritania Airlines International (MAI) about those deficiencies, in order for them to swiftly take mitigating actions. ANAC acknowledged receipt by reporting on a number of corrective actions and on the latest ICAO audit results in the areas of aerodromes and air navigation services.

(78)

In accordance with the common criteria set out in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005, it is therefore assessed that at this stage there are no grounds for amending the Community list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the Union by including air carriers from the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

(79)

Should any relevant safety information indicate that there are imminent safety risks as a consequence of a lack of compliance with international safety standards, the Commission may be forced to take further action in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005.

(80)

The competent authorities of Mozambique (IACM) have reported on the ongoing implementation of the Corrective Action Plan submitted to, and approved by, ICAO. The latest progress report and its supporting documents received by the Commission and EASA on 26 September 2014 indicate that IACM has continued to work on the update of the legal framework by submitting legislative proposals to further align the civil aviation act with ICAO requirements, to have its role upgraded from one of a mere regulator to that of an authority and to further pursue the alignment of its existing regulations with the amended ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS). The recruitment and training of staff continues, in order to further reinforce the oversight capacity, mainly in the areas of operations and licencing, aerodromes, airworthiness, rulemaking and enforcement. The internal capacity building efforts are strengthened through partnerships with African and European authorities, as well as with regional organisations. A gap analysis of the aerodrome certification has been conducted for all airports and a detailed plan for the certification of the international airports (Maputo, Beira and Nacala) has been requested, with a view to initiating the process in 2015. The State Safety Programme is being established and is expected to be completed by 2017.

(81)

IACM has continued to address the outstanding USOAP findings in terms of the associated protocol questions. In addition, many of the required regulations and procedures to support the replies have been produced and the associated documentation uploaded, through the use of ICAO's CMA online tool. The validation of these actions by ICAO is currently pending.

(82)

IACM has requested an ICVM in order to validate the progress in the implementation of its Corrective Action Plan, which is now scheduled to take place from 26 November until 4 December 2014, covering the areas of legislation, CAA organisation, aerodromes and air navigations services.

(83)

The significant progress reported by IACM in the rectification of the deficiencies identified by ICAO has been noted and its efforts towards completing their work of establishing an aviation system fully compliant with international standards are encouraged. Recognising the significant progress already achieved, and the expected further progress, a Union safety assessment mission might take place in the first quarter of 2015. However, for the time being, the fact remains that several important aviation safety-related issues still need to be fully and adequately addressed.

(84)

The investigation into the crash of the air carrier Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique SA (LAM) on 29 November 2013 is still ongoing. The final accident investigation report is expected by the end of 2014. Following the accident, LAM has conducted an extensive review of internal safety and security training, mechanisms and procedures, resulting in the implementation of more demanding organisational and operational requirements. In parallel, the work has continued to further improve the Safety Management System (SMS), with a particular attention to flight data analysis and exchange.

(85)

IACM also reported that it has continued the certification process of air carriers in compliance with ICAO SARPS. According to the list provided by IACM, a new air carrier has been certified, namely Makond Lda. However, IACM was not able to provide evidence that the safety oversight of that air carrier is ensured in compliance with international safety standards.

(86)

In accordance with the common criteria set out in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005, it is therefore assessed that the Community list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the Union should be amended to add the air carrier Makond Lda to Annex A to Regulation (EC) No 474/2006.

(87)

The Commission has continued consultations with the competent authority of Nepal (CAAN) to establish its capabilities to sufficiently implement and enforce the relevant international safety standards.

(88)

On the basis of a request by the Commission, CAAN submitted documentation relating to progress made with regard to safety oversight activities, including the deficiencies noted by the Union assessment visit to Nepal in February 2014, the ICAO SSC, as well as ICAO audits.

(89)

The Commission and EASA had a meeting with CAAN on 24 September 2014. The meeting focussed in particular on the progress made in the areas of licencing of aircrew, certification of air carriers and oversight of air operations.

(90)

However, it appears that the progress is insufficient and that more time is needed. In particular, there are concerns that the requirements for aircrew operating in a multi-crew environment have so far been inadequately addressed by CAAN, especially since lack of proper crew training is indicated as a probable cause in the accident report of the fatal accident on 16 February 2014.

(91)

In addition, concerns remain that the re-certification by CAAN of air carriers is inadequate and may be unsuitable to ensure that all Nepalese air carriers comply with international air safety requirements. CAAN is therefore encouraged to seek the assistance of appropriate subject matter experts to assess the process and verify its appropriateness and take actions as necessary.

(92)

A meeting between the Commission, EASA and Nepal Airlines Corporation, Buddha Air, Shree Airlines, Tara Air and Yeti Airlines was held on 11 November 2014 to review progress with regard to the observations of the Union on-site assessment visit, as well as other issues relating to improvement of air safety in Nepal.

(93)

The ability of certain air carriers to manage the risks of their operations, at a level which could indicate an ability to mitigate risks raised by insufficient oversight by CAAN, is considered encouraging. However, the Commission considers that at present the competent authorities of Nepal are unable to sufficiently implement and enforce the relevant international safety standards to a level which could justify an alleviation of the current operating ban.

(94)

It should also be noted that on 25 August 2014, the Commission wrote to CAAN to obtain updated information regarding air carriers under its oversight. In a letter of 10 September 2014, CAAN informed the Commission that one new air carrier had been certified since the last update, namely AOC No 082/2014 had been issued to Manang Air Pvt. Ltd. on 3 July 2014. However, CAAN did not provide the evidence that the safety oversight of this air carrier is ensured in compliance with international safety standards.

(95)

Air carriers which in the past had a separate AOC issued only for their international operations have now been issued with only one AOC covering all operations. For this reason, AOC No 058/2010 for Buddha Air (International Operations) and AOC No 059/2010 for Shree Airlines (International Operations) have been revoked by CAAN.

(96)

In accordance with the common criteria set out in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005, it is therefore assessed that the Community list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the Union should be amended to include Manang Air Pvt. in Annex A to regulation (EC) No 474/2006 and to remove Buddha Air (International Operations) and Shree Airlines (International Operations) from Annex A to Regulation (EC) No 474/2006.

(97)

On 9 April 2014, the FAA announced its decision to upgrade the Philippines compliance status from category 2 to category 1 in respect to its IASA audit programme. In a letter of 24 July 2014 to the Commission, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) referred to the decision by the FAA to upgrade the Philippines compliance category. This letter also referred to the communication from ICAO that the Philippines had resolved the previously identified SSCs. Finally, the CAAP stated in this letter that its next objective was to have the operating ban lifted on the air carriers certified in the Philippines that were still subject to an operating ban within the Union.

(98)

In a letter of 22 September 2014 to CAAP, the Commission reiterated that any decision to remove air carriers certified in the Philippines from the Community list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the Union must be based on an evidence-based approach. In this respect a technical meeting was held on 4 November 2014 with experts from the Commission and EASA as well as senior representatives from CAAP.

(99)

The evidence presented by CAAP before and during the technical meeting of 4 November 2014 included details of the current CAAP organisational structure as well as proposed improvements that would enhance its oversight capabilities. Information was also provided on the current surveillance activity which CAAP conducts on air carriers certified in the Philippines. CAAP also cited ongoing infrastructure improvements and provided an update on the further proposed development of its State Safety Programme (SSP).

(100)

In its letter of 22 September 2014, the Commission also proposed that EASA would conduct an on-site technical assistance visit to the Philippines. This visit was conducted during the week of 10 November 2014.

(101)

The discussion and evidence provided by CAAP at the technical meeting of 4 November 2014 is deemed encouraging with regard to the progress that the competent authorities of the Philippines have made with respect to the oversight of air carriers certified in the Philippines. This opens the possibility for the organisation of an on-site Union verification mission in the future.

(102)

However, with regard to the CAAP objective to apply for a total lifting of the operating ban on air carriers certified in the Philippines, it needs to be underlined that this will necessitate a full evaluation of all relevant information and that the outcome of the on-site Union verification will need to be satisfactory.

(103)

In accordance with the common criteria set out in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005, it is therefore assessed that there are at this stage no grounds for amending the Community list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the Union with respect to air carriers from the Philippines.

(104)

Member States are to continue to verify effective compliance by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air with the relevant safety standards, through the prioritisation of ramp inspections pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 965/2012.

(105)

The Commission, EASA and the Member States have continued to closely monitor the safety performance of air carriers certified in the Russian Federation and operating in the Union, including through prioritisation of the ramp inspections to be carried out on certain Russian air carriers in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 965/2012.

(106)

On 15 July 2014, the Commission met with representatives of the air carrier Kogalymavia, in order to confirm the effectiveness of the measures taken by that air carrier to improve its safety record. Overall, the progress made by Kogalymavia appeared sustainable. That air carrier is encouraged to continue to establish a positive safety culture inside its organisation, including reporting of essential safety-related information.

(107)

On 6 November 2014, the Commission, assisted by EASA and a Member State, met with representatives of the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (FATA). The purpose of this meeting was to ensure that findings that have been raised against Russian air carriers during SAFA ramp inspections in the past 12 months are adequately addressed by those air carriers. During the meeting, FATA committed to further investigate the reasons for certain serious findings and to follow up on those cases where non-compliances have not yet been properly rectified.

(108)

On 21 November 2014 FATA informed the Commission that it had advised its air carriers to timely address all open findings in the SAFA database and to apply corrective actions on a continuous basis, in order to avoid problems with regard to SAFA inspections and findings.

(109)

Based on the available information, it was concluded that a hearing before the Air Safety Committee of the Russian aviation authorities or of air carriers certified in the Russian Federation was not necessary.

(110)

In accordance with the common criteria set out in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005, it is therefore assessed that there are at this stage no grounds for amending the Community list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the Union by including air carriers from the Russian Federation.

(111)

However, Member States are to continue to verify effective compliance by the air carriers for the Russian Federation with the international safety standards, through the prioritisation of ramp inspections in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 965/2012. Should those inspections point to an imminent safety risk as a consequence of non-compliance with the relevant safety standards, the Commission may be forced to take action against air carriers from the Russian Federation in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005.

(112)

After a long period without communication, on 22 September 2014 the competent authorities of São Tomé and Príncipe (INAC) reported on the progress achieved over that period of time.

(113)

ICAO announced on 28 May 2014 the resolution of the SSCs pertaining to the air operator certification process and surveillance, and the ensuring of protection provided by aerodrome operators. As a consequence, São Tomé and Príncipe has now resolved all the previously identified SSCs.

(114)

The Corrective Action Plan submitted by INAC is currently being implemented. The summary of its execution in mid-April 2014 shows that 20 % of the activities planned for implementation before the end of November 2014 have been carried out as planned, while 25 % of those activities are still ongoing and the remaining 55 % have not yet started and have seen their target date significantly delayed.

(115)

INAC has revoked the AOCs of eight air carriers, namely British Gulf International Company Ltd, Executive Jet Services, Global Aviation Operation, Goliaf Air, Island Oil Exploration, Transafrik International Ltd, Transcargo and Transliz Aviation. INAC has provided written proof of the revocation of the AOCs of those air carriers.

(116)

The Commission takes note of the positive developments reported by INAC and commends in particular the revocation of the AOCs of the air carriers which had their principal place of business outside of the country, as well as the removal of all their aircraft from the registry of São Tomé and Príncipe.

(117)

In accordance with the common criteria set out in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005, it is therefore assessed that the Community list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the Union should be amended to remove those air carriers from Annex A to Regulation (EC) No 474/2006.

(118)

INAC also reported that AOCs have been issued to the air carriers STP Airways and Africa's Connection. However, INAC was not able to provide evidence that the safety oversight of those two air carriers is ensured in compliance with international safety standards.

(119)

In accordance with the common criteria set out in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005, it is therefore assessed that the Community list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the Union should be amended to include the air carriers STP Airways and Africa's Connection in Annex A to Regulation (EC) No 474/2006.

(120)

The Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) submitted to the Commission information on four air carriers, namely BADR Airlines (BDR), Nova Airlines (NOV), Sudan Airways (SUD) and Tarco Air (TRQ). The supporting documents indicate that those airlines have different levels in managing safety. Those documents nonetheless suggest that good progress has been made with a view to preparing a possible Union verification mission in 2015.

(121)

SCAA also informed the Commission of the results of the latest ICAO audit in the areas of aerodromes and air navigation services. Although those audits address areas that are mostly unrelated to the technical domains of the Union's primary concerns relating to the air carriers registered in Sudan, namely personnel licences, operations and airworthiness, this has shown that SCAA has endeavoured to tackle all issues of aviation safety in a holistic approach.

(122)

It appears that SCAA has enacted sustainable improvements in a realistic and progressive manner. However, a thorough assessment still needs to be carried out in order to identify whether the international safety standards are met by the SCAA and the air carriers certified in Sudan. In addition, further verification through a Union verification mission needs to take place before any proposals for amendments to the Community list of air carriers, which are subject to an operating ban within the Union, might be considered.

(123)

In accordance with the common criteria set out in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005, it is therefore assessed that there are at this stage no grounds for amending the Community list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the Union with respect to air carriers from Sudan.

(124)

By letter of 15 May 2014, the Zambian Department of Civil Aviation reported to the Commission that the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA) is operational and that its administrative capacity is being reinforced. That letter also provided an update on the corrective actions taken to address the existing deficiencies, including a Safety Plan, which the Commission received on 5 August 2014. That Safety Plan sets out the additional actions that need to be taken to establish an efficient and effective safety regulatory and oversight system in Zambia and contains clear goals for the short, medium and long term.

(125)

It appears that the Zambian Department of Civil Aviation has made progress and the Zambian authorities are encouraged to continue to make further improvements, with a view to the current restrictions being reconsidered at the appropriate moment after the necessary verification. However, for the time being, a number of important deficiencies remain, notably regarding the establishment of the ZCAA, including an adequate number of properly trained staff, and the update of legislation and regulations to implement the provisions of the ICAO Annexes which have been identified in the Safety Plan and in respect of which the corresponding actions are still to be carried out.

(126)

In accordance with the common criteria set out in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005, it is therefore assessed that there are at this stage no grounds for amending the Community list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban within the Union with respect to air carriers from Zambia.

(127)

Article 8(2) of Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005 recognises the need for decisions to be taken swiftly and, where appropriate, urgently, given the safety implications. It is therefore essential, for the protection of sensitive information and for minimising commercial impacts, that the decisions in the context of updating the list of air carriers which are subject to an operating ban or restriction within the Union, are published and enter into force immediately after their adoption.

(128)

Regulation (EC) No 474/2006 should therefore be amended accordingly,

(129)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Air Safety Committee,