The FAA has upgraded Ukraine’s safety rating from Category 2 to Category 1 following an international aviation safety assessment of the country’s civil aviation authority in July. A Category 1 rating means Ukraine now complies with the highest level of ICAO safety standards and its air carriers can add flights and service to the U.S. . With the Category 2 rating, Ukrainian airlines were allowed to maintain existing service to the U.S. but could not establish new services.

In fact, no Ukrainian carrier currently provides service to the U.S.

The FAA downgraded Ukraine to Category 2 in 2005 on the basis that the country either lacked the laws or regulations necessary to oversee air carriers in accordance with minimum international standards or that its civil aviation authority–equivalent to the FAA for aviation safety matters–was deficient in one or more areas, such as technical expertise, trained personnel, record keeping or inspection procedures.