Mauritania’s airline ready to blossom

The Islamic Republic of Mauritania’s airline industry is rejoicing over the removal of the country’s ban by the European Commission. During its usual updating of the list of airlines considered to be posing a threat to the European community’s airline industry and security, the European Union committee for aerial security decided to uplift the country’s ban.
The ban stopped airlines who have been certified by the Mauritanian aviation authorities from travelling to Europe and it also classed the country under its List A, widely known as its black list. Previously banned airlines from Mauritania have been removed from the ban list.
In an official statement released by the European Commission website, the bloc’s vice president for transport, Siim Kallas highlighted that “safety must always come first,” and it is a principle which can’t be compromise. Therefore, the change in Mauritania’s status and of its certified carriers is due to the safety achievements the country has of recent registered. The European Commission does an on-site evaluation before making its decision.
This is the first time that an African country has been able to step out of such a category since the inception of the list in 2006. The news has been welcomed by stakeholders in the sector and they believe the country is set for an influx of investments and flights as the tourism season approaches. It couldn’t come at a better time as this year’s winter seems to be very harsh making it suitable for holiday makers to come and enjoy its abundant sunlight.
However countries such as Eretria, Jordan and Libyan authorities will be not be rejoicing as they continue to be under privileged when it comes to the criterion of the European air safety conditions.