Image: Saudia
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has successfully passed the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) for the 10th time and renewed the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification.
Conducted every two years by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), IOSA is an accredited international evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline. IOSA certification is considered one of the prerequisites for IATA membership, and in some countries, IOSA certification is required to get a license for regular operation.
Safety procedures
Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of Saudia, emphasised that safety procedures and keeping track of the latest developments are part of Saudia’s daily operational processes. He expressed his pride by stating, “IOSA certificate is considered an international recognition of operational safety for the national flag carrier”.
“Saudia implements and prioritises strict internal procedures to ensure safety and excellence of its operations, encompassing over 460 daily flights across four continents. Our people’s unwavering dedication to our meticulous procedures has led to the achievement of passing the audit at this advanced level and resulted in receiving the best safety and operational quality reports,” said Captain Koshy stated.
The biennial audit was conducted by a specialised international team accredited by IATA that reviews the safety and quality of airline operational processes. The audit included a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of Saudia’s documentation of its safety procedures as well as an evaluation of the operational quality requirements and their practical application on the ground. The team thoroughly reviewed detailed operations across various relevant divisions, including aircraft engineering and maintenance, cargo operations, flight operations, cabin operations, aviation security, flight dispatch, and ground operations.
In addition, the audit team went on scheduled flights, conducted field audits on all procedures followed during the flights, and ensured the safety and quality of operational processes. Saudia received high marks in the final report for accuracy in safety procedures and operational quality, leading to the successful renewal of the IATA IOSA certificate.
The renewal of the IOSA certificate positively impacts Saudia by enhancing its global recognition for commitment to operational safety and quality. It also builds a positive reputation and customer confidence in Saudia’s operations and helps in gaining access to new markets and maintaining business partnerships, such as the global SkyTeam Alliance, and improving the overall safety culture.
