The European Union has issued a a first-ever blacklist banning more than 90 airlines from operating in its sky.

Most of the companies, which the EU says fail to meet international standards, are based in Africa. The few airlines not from Africa are based in Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, North Korea and Thailand.

"This blacklist will keep dubious airlines out of Europe. It will also make sure that all airlines operating in Europe's sky meet the highest safety standards," European Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot said.

EU Member states were spurred into action after a string of deadly crashes last year.

When the list enters into force on Saturday, 93 passenger and freight companies will be fully banned from EU skies. In all 96 airlines are on the blacklist, but three are not subject to total bans.

The list will be available online and passengers will have to be informed if they are to fly on a named carrier.

The new airsafety list is meant to replace a current patchwork of rules on suspect airlines in Europe. France and Belgium introduced lists of banned carriers last year, following examples set by Britain and Switzerland.

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