Brussels: From just being blacklisted, the European Union on Thursday named more five individual carriers whose operations are fully banned in the European Union airspace - including a Rwandan cargo company.

Rwandan firm Silverback Cargo Freighters had initially been put on hold from entering EU airspace since late 2008 with the expectation that it could be allowed back if its safety improved.

But as of Thursday, it has been banned along with other five carriers including from Ghana (Meridian Airways), Afghanistan (Ariana Afghan Airlines), Surinam (Blue Wing Airlines), Ghana (Meridian Airways), and Cambodia (Siem reap Airways International).

The European Commission announced the ban in a press statement and airlines from other countries were included. There were carriers from 17 countries and 278 companies in total.

The publication of the list of banned passenger and cargo airlines to the EU is a routine exercise and this is done when the EU member countries do not find these airlines safe enough.

Official from the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority and Silverback Cargo Freighters were not readily available for comment.

On its website, Silverback which has two 2 DC-8-62 aircraft, describes its service as “unparalleled and committed”.

“…we are able to serve our vast regional and international cargo network with our scheduled and charter services,” it says.

“We promise to move cargo with paramount speed and care in a timely and secure manner. We strive to offer the most competitive and viable airfreight solutions, each one tailored to meet our clients' individual requirements. Our personalized service, coupled with the professional experience and expertise of our Commercial and Operations teams, makes Silverback the most competent partner for your airfreight needs.”

The company says it travels regularly to the Middle East, naming Dubai in particular.