Germany’s Transport ministry has initiated plans to implement random on-the-spot drug testing for flight crew operating within Germany. This new legislation comes after the crash of Germanwings flight 9525, in which it is believed the first officer deliberately flew the A320 aircraft into the Swiss Alps, killing all 150 on board. Investigators have found evidence to suggest the first officer was suffering severe depression and had been prescribed anti-depressant medication, of which he had not disclosed to the airline. Drug testing is planned to be conducted by the individual airlines with the aim to reduce the risk of a similar accident reoccurring.

The South Korean Transport Ministry is planning to undertake a complete safety review of the nation’s budget airlines. The ministry noted that all low cost carriers would be exposed to an overall inspection of their flight operations and safety management, including all maintenance records and procedures. The review aims to determine each carrier’s adherence to international safety standards and regulations. This safety probe was prompted after an incident involving a Jin Air Boeing 737, one of South Korea’s six low cost carriers, where it was found that one of its doors had not been sealed properly and was leaking air (resulting in pressurisation difficulties).

After being downgraded to a ‘Category 2’ country by the FAA, the Thai Transport Ministry has announced its plans to introduce new legislation to enforce higher safety standards within the Thai aviation industry. The Thai Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have signed a joint agreement, which will see EASA assist the DCA in adhering to international aviation safety standards set by EASA. Additionally, a number of internal alterations will be made within the DCA, including administrative and human resource changes.