Both US and Venezuelan carriers showed satisfaction at the Venezuelan Civil Aviation Institute ((INAC) to put off until April 25th a decision on discontinuance of US airlines operations in Venezuela.

INAC made the move to give the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) time to upgrade Venezuelan carriers to air safety Category 1.

Continental Airlines advised customers that it would operate Caracas-Houston and Caracas-New York as usual.

"Continental Airlines reiterates its confidence in Venezuela, where we have been operating without disruptions since 1997. We hope a final solution is found in the next few weeks following negotiations between Venezuelan and US aeronautic authorities," said Gustavo Bastardo, Continental Airlines director general.

Delta Airlines also informed it would continue to operate normally in Venezuela. This US carrier flies to and from Atlanta on a daily basis. "We appreciate the confidence our passengers and travel agents have shown during this uncertain period," said Isabel Parra, Delta Airlines director general in Venezuela.

Omar Notaro, American Airlines director general for Venezuela, said they met Thursday with INAC officials to agree on setting April 25th as the new deadline for Venezuela to decide on the imposition of a flight ban on US carriers. "We are pleased to hear the news and think this is the first step towards a final solution to improve the market."

Meanwhile, the Venezuelan Airlines Association a communiqué labeled INAC move as "constructive from all standpoints. This will be favorable for commercial aviation relations between Venezuela and the United States, notably in the field of operational safety, under the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO.)

The FAA experts visiting Venezuela to assess compliance with air safety standards by Venezuelan airlines are expected to leave over the weekend. Following inspection of operations at the INAC and the Simón Bolívar International Airport, the FAA is to prepare a report whereby it may recommend upgrade of Venezuelan carriers to air safety Category 1.