South East Asian Airlines International, Inc. (SEAIR-I) and Magnum Air (Skyjet), Inc. are back on the air after the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) lifted the suspension of the carriers’ air operator certificates.
The development came after CAAP validated that corrective measures undertaken by the airlines helped them meet aviation safety standards.
SEAIR-I’s suspension was lifted on June 5 and Skyjet’s on June 6.
CAAP said both SEAIR-I and Skyjet submitted their respective actions taken on safety observations enumerated by the European Union assessment team.
“CAAP monitored and evaluated their compliance and found them acceptable,” CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said in a statement.
Still, Apolonio said both carriers will be the “subject of a heightened surveillance” by CAAP.
CAAP on May 18 suspended operations of Skyjet and SEAIR-I, citing various safety shortcomings in meeting the prescribed rules and standards under the Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations. The authority also cited several safety observations made against the two airlines by a European Union assessment team that visited the country in April to audit several airlines.
Skyjet was able to resume operations on May 22 though after Judge Pedro Gutierrez of the Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 119 issued a 20-day temporary restraining order on CAAP’s suspension order. Skyjet later withdrew its case and voluntarily suspended its operation.
