IATA standard audit program to improve safety and reduce costs

Followingthe recent introduction of Operational Quality Standard (OQS) audits for the airline industry, IATA, the International Air Transport Association, now intends to introduce a set of International Standard Audits and also offer a related range of value-added audit and audit tracking services.

Worldwide in the airline industry, over 70,000 audits a year are performed, costing in excess of USD $ three billion. However there is wide variability in both operating and audit standards and their application, which standardization and harmonization will address.

“As an independent international body with global influence, credibility and access to world-wide technical resources, IATA is well positioned to develop and lead the implementation of harmonized and cost-effective industry-wide operating and audit standards,” said IATA Director General Pierre J. Jeanniot.

Initially, the program will focus on the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) which will cover flight operations, safety management, engineering, maintenance, ground operations, cargo, dangerous goods, and related training in these areas.

The implementation of the IATA program is aimed at rationalizing global audit efforts and bring significant performance improvements and cost savings to the airline industry while ensuring that the competence, quality and robustness of an airline to achieve safety objectives and manage related risks is properly assessed and accredited.