European Union bans Sierra Leone Airlines from flying into its airspace. The EU in its latest Air Safety List, places a ban on all air carriers certified by the authorities with responsibility for regulatory oversight of Sierra Leone.
The latest update is due to safety concerns identified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency
Currently, 129 airlines are banned from EU skies: 100 airlines certified in 15 countries, due to inadequate safety oversight by their national aviation authorities; 22 airlines certified in Russia, as well as 7 airlines from other countries, based on serious safety deficiencies.
The EU said it is committed to safe flying and that flying is one of the safest ways to travel. The EU air safety policies ensure the highest levels of safety for passengers and promote cost-efficient rules that facilitate the free movement of products, services and people.
The EU aviation safety system is overseen by the European Commission, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and National Aviation Authorities. Its rules apply in all EU countries and cover all key areas of aviation including airworthiness, aircrew, aerodromes, air operations and the provision of air navigation services.
The implementation of the single aviation market has significantly increased air traffic and the number of airlines operating in Europe. To keep pace, the EU has prioritised work on effective aviation safety standards. The EU Air Safety List bans or restricts unsafe third-country air carriers that fail to meet international safety standards from flying in European skies and informs passengers of any such carriers.
The EU’s approach to safety management in aviation is based on occurrence reporting where safety-related events in civil aviation are tracked, analysed and followed up. Common rules on accident investigations are also designed to prevent the reoccurrence of dangerous incidents.
Aviation safety is a global concern, making international cooperation essential. The EU works closely with the International Civil Aviation Organization, provides technical assistance to and cooperates with third countries, and negotiates bilateral aviation safety agreements with key international partners to help ensure safe skies around the world.
