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Air India, SpiceJet, and four others pass IATA's risk-based audit

2023-10-28

Indian airlines SpiceJet and Air India have successfully completed the risk-based approach audit of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the largest trade group of global airlines. It was reported that six airlines achieved this milestone. These include American Airlines, British Airways, LATAM, Luxair, and Qatar Airways.

The risk-based approach audit, a novel form of IATA's operational and safety audit, has been tailored to meet the specific operational requirements of each airline, differing from the compliance-based approach.

Moreover, Air India has become one of the 20 signatories of IATA's Safety Leadership Charter. This charter, developed in collaboration with IATA members and the wider aviation community, aims to assist industry executives in cultivating a positive safety culture within their organisations.

Mark Searle, IATA?s Global Director of Safety, emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in safety. He stated, ?Safety is about continuous improvement. There are significant advancements in aircraft technologies and various other factors that have improved flight safety. Audit programs must evolve in the same way. We cannot remain stagnant.?

Eduard Ciofu, Flight Standards Deputy Director at the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, noted the limitations of solely focusing on compliance. He also cautioned that transitioning to a risk-based approach would pose challenges, stating, ?It?s clear that oversight methodologies will need to change.?