Officials at Phuket Airlines are confident the European Union ban on its operations will be lifted after a new safety audit, just in time for the carrier's rebranding and resumption of international flights.

Phuket Airlines CEO Patana Tareekes described the ban as unfair against a small airline. "We have done our best to improve maintenance of the aircraft and enhance safety. Phuket is ready for the EU safety audit and would appreciate if the agency could clear our name," said Patana.

An official at Thailand's Dept. of Civil Aviation said it is coordinating with the carrier to facilitate the EU safety audit.

Despite the rebranding, the airline has no plan for a name change, one way to shake off a poor public image. "Changing the name would only arouse suspicion in the market. A rebranding of the product is a positive move forward for the relaunch," Patana pointed out. He was confident that the ban on the airline would be lifted with EU's next review.

Phuket Airlines was one of the 92 carriers to make the EU black list, which banned unsafe airlines from operating to the EU's 25 member states (DAILY, March 23). Phuket made the list because of several incidents involving its aircraft and allegations of failing to adhere to scheduled maintenance. The ban tarnished the airline's image and affected business -- Phuket's one-year contract with Saudi Arabian Airlines to operate Middle Eastern routes for the carrier using four Boeing 747-200/-300s and crew was not renewed.

The Bangkok-based carrier operates two 737-200s flying to Ranong, a domestic destination and to Yangon. Before the ban, Phuket operated an international network covering London, Amsterdam, Seoul, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Its four 747s, which have undergone scheduled maintenance, are parked at Bangkok Airport.