The South Korean cabinet has passed into law a bill to strip the country's transport ministry of responsibility for regulating air transport operations, safety oversight and air accident investigation. The move is part of efforts to bring the country into line with International Civil Aviation Organisation regulations following a string of accidents. Last year, the USA restored South Korea to a Category 1 safety rating after the country drew up reforms aimed at improving oversight standards. Two new independent organisations will become operational during the next few weeks. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority will regulate South Korea's airlines, air traffic control, airport operations, aeronautical information services, search and rescue and provision of navigation aids. South Korea's ministry of construction and transportation will retain the authority to negotiate commercial air service agreements and plan airport developments.
Source: Flight International
