FAA: Mexico’s aviation industry does not meet ICAO safety standards

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that Mexico is not in compliance with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

According to FAA, after an assessment of the country’s civil aviation authority, the United States downgraded Mexico from a Category 1 to Category 2 rating.

With the FAA’s International Aviation Safety Assessment Category 2 rating, Mexican air carriers cannot establish new service to the United States, although they are allowed to maintain existing service, the FAA said.

The agency stated that Mexico has been responsive to the FAA’s findings and has made significant improvements in recent months, but it was unable to fully comply with all of the international safety standards.

A Category 2 rating means a country either lacks laws or regulations necessary to oversee air carriers in accordance with international standards, or that its civil aviation authority – equivalent to the FAA for aviation safety matters – is deficient in one or more areas, such as technical expertise, trained personnel, record-keeping or inspection procedures.

After the downgrade, Mexican airlines will be restricted from codesharing on routes flown in conjunction with American carriers, including Delta Air Lines and American Airlines.

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