Quantcast

Understanding IOSA: The IATA Operational Safety Audit

A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game
TAKING OFF: Major airline introduces new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks
2 Delta flight attendants fail breathalyzer test before flight to JFK
US Senate panel criticizes rising airline seat fees, will call execs to testify
Spirit’s Demise Is a Lesson in ‘Airline-o-nomics’
Inside BA’s new first-class suites: £800 an hour for most private seat
Focus: US airline flight crews confident and angry as unions seek richer contracts
Hawaiian Airlines Eliminates Widebody Route Amid Alaska Airlines Merger
US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems?
Delta CEO says the Trump administration will reverse government ‘overreach’ seen under Biden
Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy: How will it affect your travel plans?
British Airways yet to identify cause of latest IT meltdown
Delta Airlines Will Start Serving Shake Shack Cheeseburgers Next Month
United Sees Nearly 30% Surge in Travel to European Christmas Markets
Budget airline Israir to launch flights between Israel and NY, ending wartime monopoly by flagship carrier El Al
Asia's airlines blame supply chain woes for disrupted operations
Qantas and Qatar Airways: Planned partnership in the Australian aviation industry under the microscope
Spirit Airlines delays release of Q3 financial results as debt restructuring talks heat up
Delta investigating after plane’s nose mysteriously suffered damage
What Elon Musk's Starlink means for airlines
CAP OFF Major twist in Dublin Airport passenger cap row as High Court pauses decision in victory for airlines next summer season
Riyadh Air plans new jet order decision early next year
Calls for a blanket ban on politicians receiving free flight upgrades
Wizz Air Loses Challenge Against EU-Approved Romanian Aid for TAROM
Southwest, Other Airlines Plan a Shake-Up. Why They Need More to Boost Their Stocks.
One of Boeing's biggest customers leveled fresh criticism over ongoing 737 Max delivery delays
Low-Cost Airlines Innovate with Subscription Models
LA Considers $25 And $30 Minimum Wages For Hotel And Airport Workers
Airlines are on the hook for more than you think if something goes wrong with your trip
WA Labor & Industries plans to create new airline worker protections
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

United Airlines has announced the issuance of travel waivers for passengers whose flights were affected by closures at London Heathrow Airport.

Apr 2, 2025

ITA Airways announced that flight AZ806 managed to land safely after a brief hold due to nearby missile activity.

Apr 2, 2025

EVA Air has announced the reinstatement of its Premium Economy Class on the Seattle route, with three weekly flights scheduled from March 8 through July 27.

Apr 2, 2025

Emirates Airlines has announced the launch of a new door-to-door delivery service called 'Very Important Parcels' (VIPs), promising the same level of care as provided to its passengers.

Apr 2, 2025

Cargolux has announced the transportation of two lions, Tsar and Jamil, from captivity in Ukraine to a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa.

Apr 2, 2025

Hainan Airlines announced that its Beijing–Oslo flight HU769 landed successfully in Norway.

Apr 2, 2025