European Commission Bans Two More Central Asian Airlines

October 12, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- The European Commission announced today that it has banned two more Central Asian airlines from the EU skies.

The commission's delegation to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan said in a press release that Kyrgyzstan's Sky Gate International Aviation and Star Jet are no longer authorized to enter European airspace.


The move is part of continuing efforts by authorities to rid Europe's skies of airlines that officials believe "operate in conditions below essential air-safety levels," the statement notes.

The EU blacklist already included two Kyrgyz (Phoenix Aviation and Reem Air) and two Kazakh (BGB Air and GST Aero Air) air carriers.

The commission encourages banned airlines to boost their safety standards to levels that would allow their readmittance.


Sky Gate International Aviation's website offers four L1011-250 aircraft to lease for charter flights.