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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has updated its Emergency Response Planning (ERP) Manual to include a new chapter focused on family assistance. The revision aims to provide airlines and related operators with guidance and practical tools to comply with the requirements of both the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security, commented on the importance of this addition: “Accidents are rare. But when they happen people are affected—not only those onboard but those waiting on the ground. Those who are impacted must feel supported, informed and respected. This new chapter will help the aviation industry meet those expectations in a timely and effective manner as documented in ICAO and IOSA standards.”
Alongside the manual update, IATA is launching new Family Assistance training courses. These initiatives include simulation exercises for airports and ground handling service providers to give front-line employees experience in supporting families during emergencies.
