San Marino Achieves USA FAA Category 1 Rating

The Republic of San Marino has achieved the USA FAA Category 1 Rating, according to a recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announcement. The Category 1 rating recognizes the 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.

"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," said David Colindres, President of SMAR.

In 2016, the Republic of San Marino was recognized by the ICAO Council with the Presidential Certificate, commending San Marino's safety improvements and the implementation of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, as identified through the objective and transparent 2015 results determined through ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program. Implementation of ICAO global Standards and Recommended Practices is a prerequisite for establishing global connectivity in air transport.