The United States downgraded Thailand’s air safety rating this month over concerns about the country’s ability to supervise the growth of the aviation industry, but Thai Airways International insists there is no commercial or customer impact.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration moved Thailand from a category one rating to category two, finding the country’s civil aviation administration lacking in one or more critical areas, including technical expertise, training processes and inspection systems.

The U.S. decision follows an unsatisfactory audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization in July this year. With the category two rating, Thai carriers are not permitted to launch new flights to the United States or change existing routes or aircraft.

Currently, no Thai airline flies to the United States, as THAI suspended its remaining U.S. route to Los Angeles (LAX) in October, and until safety ratings improve, THAI will not be able to resume U.S. flights. Charamporn Jotikasthira, president, THAI, announced the downgrade has no impact on the airline, as THAI continues to serve customers through codeshare and interline partners to destinations in the United States.

“THAI confirms its commitment to aviation safety standards, and assures all that THAI operates with the highest international aviation safety standards,” said the airline in a statement.

Though the carrier announced no impact, Mario Hardy, CEO, Pacific Asia Travel Association in Bangkok, advised the country’s aviation authorities should take the downgrade seriously and plan to improve its rating, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.

“Even though there are currently no Thai carriers flying to the U.S., Thailand aviation authorities have to take this warning seriously and urgently develop a plan to improve its safety rating as soon as possible,” said Hardy.

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