Rwanda achieves First Safety Assessment Rating

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces that the Republic of Rwanda has achieved an International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Category 1 rating, and is in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

The FAA IASA program focuses on a country’s ability to adhere to international aviation safety standards and recommended practices. The standards are set by ICAO, the United Nations’ technical agency for aviation. 

The FAA determined the Republic of Rwanda met requirements for the Category 1 status following a thorough review of its progress in improving its safety oversight processes. A Category 1 rating means the country’s civil aviation authority complies with ICAO standards. Under a Category 1 rating, properly authorized Rwandan air carriers are permitted to serve the United States and enter into code-share agreements with U.S. carriers without limitation

Through IASA, the FAA assesses the civil aviation authorities of all countries. These air carriers have either applied to fly to the United States, currently conduct operations in the United States, or participate in code sharing arrangements with U.S. partner airlines, and makes that information available to the public. The assessments are based on ICAO safety standards. (End).