Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2017-03-11

The Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) is working to expand the penalties it can impose on airlines.

The move comes in response the sudden dissolution of TransAsia Airways last year. After months of losses brought on by two fatal accidents, the airline halted operations in late-November without giving prior notice. The unexpected shutdown and the airline’s subsequent dissolution affected thousands of passengers.

For the unauthorized shutdown, the CAA fined the airline NT$3 million (US$97,000), the maximum allowed under the current Civil Aviation Act.

Deputy CAA head Fang Chih-wen now says the CAA plans to draft an amendment to the law. The draft amendment is to be completed within the year. Fang said the CAA will need to discuss the specifics of new penalties with lawyers, the justice ministry, and airlines before work on the draft amendment is finished.    [FULL  STORY]