Turkmenistan Airlines reauthorized to resume EU operations
ASHGABAT (TCA) — As a result of the joint project with Lufthansa Consulting since February this year, Turkmenistan Airlines, Turkmenistan's flag carrier, has confirmed compliance with technical requirements related to air operations of Third Country Operators in the European Union (EU). After the on-site audit by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in Ashgabat at the end of September, the Agency reauthorized the airline as Third Country Operator on 11 October 2019, Lufthansa Consulting GmbH said in a press release on October 16. The Turkmen carrier has been committed to raising its performance and took immediate action following the difficulties in satisfying relevant requirements in context with the EU Safety Authorizations for foreign air operators at the beginning of this year. The project started with an assessment of the situation and the development of the recovery plan. In the course of the assignment experts of Lufthansa Consulting and a dedicated team from Turkmenistan Airlines specialized in quality, safety, flight operations and maintenance worked together on both the management system changes and the practical implementation. The team from Turkmenistan Airlines, supported by the management, demonstrated high flexibility during the implementation and commitment to change, Lufthansa Consulting said. Turkmenistan Airlines is the flag carrier of Turkmenistan with headquarters in the country's capital Ashgabat. The airline operates domestic and international passenger and cargo services mainly from its hub at Ashgabat International Airport. The airline transports more than 5,000 passengers daily within the country and nearly three million passengers annually on the international and domestic routes. The fleet consists of modern Western aircraft (such as Boeing 737, 757, 777) and a cargo fleet of IL 76.
