THE HAGUE, 05/07/06 - The number of serious shortcomings in aircraft serving Dutch airports almost doubled last year to 121, compared to 61 in 2004. The total number of shortcomings, including less dangerous defects, increased from 414 to 608, the Transport Ministry reported yesterday.

The Netherlands is unlike many other European countries, where the number of serious aircraft deficiencies actually declined. "But we stepped up inspections of airline companies that had erred in the past. Furthermore, we concentrated more on freight companies in particularly Eastern Europe. That is a new line," explained chief director Helma NeppÈrus of IVW - the ministry's inspectorate.

Turkish airline company Onur Air claimed an important share of the total number of defects. For this reason, the company was given a two-week flight restriction in the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland last year. According to NeppÈrus, Onur Air is now reasonably back on track.

IVW is only permitted restricted inspection of foreign airline companies. "What we see is often only the very tip of the iceberg. When even that is not in order, one wonders what the rest is like", the chief director stated. Among the Dutch airlines, Arke Fly was the only carrier were a serious deficiency was encountered.