But many of the jets operated by Iran Air will now be prohibited from operating in Europe, said Helen Kearns, spokeswoman for the Transport Commission.
The latest list imposes an operating ban on all airlines from Sudan and the Philippines due to noncompliance with international safety conditions. “In both cases it is because of persistent and serious noncompliance of the civil aviation authorities in terms of overseeing and checks on aircraft,” Kearns said.
She said the ban will affect over 40 carriers in the Philippines.
The index of nearly 300 airlines lists carriers deemed by the EU not to meet international safety standards. It was established in 2006 and is updated annually.
In the case of Koryo and TAAG, only several newly acquired jets that fulfill international requirements will be allowed to fly to Europe.
“In both cases we see significant progress, and they will both be allowed to fly to Europe with certain specific aircraft,” Kearns said.
Air Koryo has been on the list since its inception, because it mainly operated aging, Cold War-era Soviet transports.
But the airline recently purchased two modern Tupolev Tu-204 jetliners, and is negotiating an order for several new Sukhoi Superjet regional transports.
Iran Air still has about a dozen aging Boeing 747 and 727 jets purchased in the 1970s, which it has had trouble maintaining properly due to a US ban on spare parts.
Afghanistan's Ariana Airlines, Siam Reap Airways from Cambodia and Silverback Cargo from Rwanda also are banned from Europe for the same reason, the EU said.
The report noted general safety improvements in Egypt and Angola.
“This (policy) has a very powerful carrot-and-stick effect in that it provides a very powerful incentive to airline companies to improve their safety record,” Kearns said.
