THE Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has confirmed the downgrade of its air safety rating by the United States’ Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

CAAM chairman Ahmad Ridzwan Mohd Salleh said in a statement tonight that it has been listed as a Category 2 aviation regulator by the body, which audits regulators that oversee the operation of flights into the United States. 

The downgrade comes as a result of a FAA review of CAAM, which was carried out in April.

“The audit covered areas of legislation, oversight, delegation of authority as well as adequacy of the number of technical personnel employed by CAAM,” he said in a statement.

“Whilst CAAM acknowledges that in carrying out its duties as an aviation regulator, some shortcomings exist, we wish to emphasise that the assessment only covered CAAM’s role as an aviation regulator,” he added.

As a result of the downgrade, airlines licensed by CAAM will be unable to add new routes to and from the US, although the categorisation will not affect the assessment of airlines, airports or Air Traffic Services that fall under the purview of the body.

In another development CAAM also announced that its chief executive officer has tendered his resignation on November 1.

An executive committee of the board has been overseeing operations at the interim.

“The assessment and subsequent categorisation by the FAA is solus and unilateral in nature, and within their rights as an ICAO member state,” he said.

CAAM has also requested for a re-assessment to be conducted by the FAA within the next 12 months, with the intention of having its Category 1 status reinstated.

Plans are also afoot to address the findings of the audit, he said.

“Given the critical nature of aviation, CAAM takes the FAA’s assessment constructively and has moved to make serious changes in its structure and operations,” Ridzwan said.

He added that CAAM will continue to contribute to the development and oversight of aviation via its seat on the ICAO Council.

“It also remains fully in compliance with all ICAO standards and legislation, having been audited by ICAO as recently as the middle of 2019,” he added.

The Transport Ministry has been informed of these internal developments, he said.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad was also quoted by Bernama as saying that the government will take the necessary corrective measures.

Meanwhile, the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)  confirmed the downgrade of CAAM’s air safety rating for failing to meet international safety standards.

Reuters had earlier reported the downgrade of Malaysia’s air safety rating, quoting four different sources. – November 11, 2019.