Quantcast

Understanding IOSA: The IATA Operational Safety Audit

Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
United Airlines flight attendants are prepared to strike. Here's why it's still unlikely.
2 workers killed, 1 injured in tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines shop in Atlanta
Emirates Will Buy 5 Airbus A380s From Lessor For $200 Million
Delta Air Lines named official airline of the WNBA
Pair Of C-Suite Officials Depart Wheels Up
LAX Receives Final Cars for People Mover Train
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merger clears Justice Department hurdle, now faces DOT
Alaska Airlines flight attendants reject new contract, union says there's 'more work to do'
Elliott Investment To Push For 10 New Boardroom Directors At Southwest Airlines
Alaska Air Backs JetZero Blended-Wing Design
Understanding IOSA: The IATA Operational Safety Audit
Policy
Webp ce12j9cthweiupw4t58m92m5r97h
Geoffrey Thomas Editor-In-Chief - US Bureau Chief | Airline Ratings

The IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) is a globally recognized evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of airlines. Established by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), IOSA ensures that airlines adhere to internationally accepted safety and operational standards.

Purpose of IOSA

IOSA was introduced in 2003 to enhance airline safety, reduce operational risks, and improve overall efficiency in the aviation industry. The audit covers a wide range of operational areas to verify that airlines meet the stringent safety requirements set by IATA and other international aviation authorities.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Key Areas Covered by IOSA

The IOSA program evaluates an airline's compliance with industry safety standards across eight key operational areas:

- Organization and Management Systems – Examines the airline’s corporate structure, safety policies, and management systems.

- Flight Operations – Reviews the airline’s flight procedures, pilot training, and operational manuals.

- Operational Control and Flight Dispatch – Assesses flight planning, dispatch procedures, and fuel management.

- Aircraft Engineering and Maintenance – Evaluates aircraft maintenance programs and compliance with safety regulations.

- Cabin Operations – Checks cabin crew training, emergency procedures, and passenger safety protocols.

- Ground Handling Operations – Ensures safe and efficient ground operations, including baggage handling and ramp safety.

- Cargo Operations – Examines cargo handling procedures, dangerous goods transportation, and security measures.

- Security Management – Reviews security policies, threat response plans, and access control systems.

Benefits of IOSA Certification

Enhanced Safety Compliance Airlines that pass the IOSA audit demonstrate their commitment to global safety standards reducing the risk of accidents According to the IATA Safety Report airlines on the IOSA registry had an accident rate of per million flights This is significantly lower than the accident rate recorded by nonIOSA carriers highlighting the audits effectiveness in improving airline safety Back in Statistics showed that airlines that had passed the IOSA audit had a whopping times better safety record than airlines that had not received their certification

"Enhanced Safety Compliance"

"Airlines that pass the IOSA audit demonstrate their commitment to global

safety standards, reducing the risk of accidents," according to the IATA

Safety Report. "Airlines on the IOSA registry had an accident rate of . per

million flights. " This is significantly lower than the recorded by nonIOSA carriers highlighting audits effectiveness in improving airline safety Back in Statistics showed that airlines that had passed... "

"Global Recognition Trust"

"IOSA certification is recognized by civil aviation authorities regulators

industry stakeholders worldwide enhancing an airlines reputation"

"Operational Efficiency"

"By following IOSA standards airlines streamline processes improve resource

management reduce operational costs"

"Simplified CodeSharing Agreements"

"Many airlines require IOSA certification for codesharing partnerships making

it easier for airlines collaborate expand networks"

"How Audit Works"

> PreAudit Preparation Airlines review standards ensure compliance requirements OnSite Auditors evaluate documents procedures practices Findings Corrective Actions address any nonconformities found during Certification Registration successful added Registry publicly accessible website plays critical role maintaining high global aviation industry lower rate among certified evidenced underscores effectiveness improving For passengers choosing means flying carrier meets internationally recognized benchmarks

Organizations Included in this History
More News

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced the addition of six new destinations to its 2025 flight schedule.

Apr 4, 2025

Fuel efficiency is becoming increasingly significant in the aviation sector, affecting economic savings and environmental impacts.

Apr 4, 2025

The Pilatus PC-24, a light business jet from Swiss manufacturer Pilatus Aviation, is notable for its performance and versatility, combining capabilities often seen in larger aircraft.

Apr 4, 2025

Europe has a rich history in aviation, with several of its airports dating back to the early 20th century, a testament to their long-standing significance in global air travel.

Apr 4, 2025

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are set to meet with Boeing executives this Wednesday to review the events that occurred during their previous mission aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.

Apr 4, 2025

Delta Air Lines is significantly expanding its use of widebody aircraft on domestic flights this summer, scheduling 12,470 round-trip services.

Apr 4, 2025