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Airlines and private charter companies that fly small aircraft with maximum takeoff weight below 5,700kg will be able to undertake an International Air Transport Association (IATA) safety audit under a new scheme.
The industry group representing the world’s airlines has introduced a voluntary safety audit program called the IATA Standard Safety Assessment (ISSA).
IATA said on Wednesday ISSA was not a substitute for the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), which airlines have to pass if they want to be a member of IATA.
However, it has been created primarily for those that operate aircraft below 5,700kg MTOW, the minimum threshold for participation in IOSA.
“There is a clear need to ensure that operators of all types of equipment have robust safety infrastructure in place, validated by an operational safety evaluation,” IATA chief executive Tony Tyler said in a statement.
“ISSA, which is based on International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) provisions, enables the industry to address the need for a global operational safety standard for operators that are not eligible for IOSA.
“I am confident that it will deliver a positive safety benefit in the same manner as has IOSA.”
IATA said the ISSA would help airline operators conform to global safety standards and best practices, as well as provide an opportunity to look at and improve their operational and management control systems.
The assessments would be conducted by IOSA accredited audit organisations. More information can be found here.
