ECCAA Staff Working Overtime to Help Region Regain Category 1 Status

ECCAA Staff Working Six Days a Week Ahead of FAA Review

Staff at the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) are working six-day weeks as the regional aviation regulator intensifies preparations for a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reassessment that could pave the way for the restoration of Category 1 status.

Director General Anthony Whittier disclosed the effort during Thursday’s opening of ECCAA’s expanded headquarters at V.C. Bird International Airport, saying the organization is committed to ensuring it is fully prepared when FAA officials conduct their review.

“As we speak, we have teams at ECCAA working six days a week,” Whittier said while outlining the authority’s preparations for the reassessment.

The intensified work follows the completion of a lengthy FAA technical assistance project. Whittier announced that all 19 findings identified during the process have been successfully addressed and closed, allowing ECCAA to formally request a reassessment under the International Aviation Safety Assessment programme.

According to Whittier, the FAA informed ECCAA on May 12 that the technical assistance phase had been completed and that the authority could proceed with either a technical review or a reassessment. He said a formal request for reassessment was submitted the same day.

“The way is now clear for us to request a reassessment,” Whittier told attendees at the ceremony.

He said the authority is now focused on ensuring all documentation, files and supporting materials are in place before the assessment begins.

Whittier revealed that the process had nearly stalled after an earlier phase ended in 2024. He said ECCAA successfully negotiated with the FAA to restart the process, citing the progress made and the need to complete the work already underway.

As part of those discussions, Whittier said he gave two commitments to the FAA: that ECCAA would not request an assessment before it was ready, and that inspectors would find all required systems and documentation in place when they arrive.

The director general credited staff for their dedication throughout the process, noting that the authority’s small workforce often performs multiple functions, including developing regulations, conducting certifications, carrying out inspections and maintaining oversight responsibilities.

The FAA reassessment is viewed as one of ECCAA’s most important current objectives. Officials say achieving a successful outcome would strengthen confidence in the region’s aviation oversight system and support continued growth in air transport throughout the Eastern Caribbean.

The update was delivered during the opening of ECCAA’s expanded headquarters, where government and aviation officials highlighted the authority’s role in maintaining aviation safety and security across the six participating OECS member states.

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