San Marino achieved USA FAA Category 1 Rating

The Republic of San Marino has achieved the USA FAA Category 1 Rating, according to a recent FAA announcement. The Category 1 rating recognizes San Marino civil aviation authority as compliant with ICAO standards and allows San Marino air carriers to operate services to the United States. Under a Category 1 rating, properly authorized San Marino AOC Holders “air carriers” are permitted to serve the United States and enter into code-share agreements with U.S. carriers. The FAA explained that its IASA program “focuses on a country’s ability to adhere to international aviation safety standards and recommended practices.

David Colindres, President of SMAR, commented: “This is an excellent achievement for San Marino, this means that every San Marino commercial operator can now take direct flights to and from the United States to Rimini-San Marino Airport. This also opens the door for US citizens to reach the Italian Adriatic Riviera more quickly and easily through Rimini-San Marino airport.” 

San Marino current ICAO Effective Implementation score is of 90.21% from the previous EI of 67.23% in 2010, thereby enhancing its global safety ranking significantly. Let’s remember that 2016, the Republic of San Marino was recognized by the ICAO Council the Presidential Certificate.

The Certificate recognized San Marino significant progress in resolving safety oversight deficiencies and improving the effective implementation of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, as identified through the objective and transparent 2015 results determined through ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme. The effective implementation of ICAO global Standards and Recommended Practices is considered a fundamental prerequisite today for establishing air transport rapid global connectivity.

In the spirit of partnership, we are proud to offer our congratulations to the San Marino CAA on this substantial milestone.