News Release

STAjets achieves prestigious ARGUS Platinum safety rating, plus IS-BAO Stage One registration

STAjets, a leader in executive charter, aircraft management, and aircraft sales and acquisition services based at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, Calif., has been awarded the prestigious Platinum rating from ARGUS International as well as IS-BAO Stage One registration from the International Business Aviation Council. Based on rigorous, on-site safety audits, these achievements place STAjets in an elite cadre of charter operators as one of only some 125 Platinum level operators in the world.

“We are incredibly proud to have achieved the pinnacle of the coveted ARGUS ratings, as well as gaining the first stage of IS-BAO registration. These recognitions are extremely important to us and to the charter community, since they are conducted under strict, impartial, third-party guidelines for industry best practices,” said STAjets ceo Kurt Belcher. “They reflect our unstinting commitment to the highest levels of safety and performance. Moreover, they are a testament to the dedication and professionalism of everyone associated with our company.”

ARGUS is the only organization permitted to conduct an IS-BAO audit in conjunction with its Platinum audit, thereby creating a single standard for aircraft operators around the globe. Platinum is the highest level of ARGUS safety ratings and is awarded only to those air charter operators who have demonstrated successful implementation of industry best safety practices relative to their operations and maintenance.

Platinum status requires a well-developed Safety Management System (SMS), full-motion simulator training for all pilots, a clear and workable Emergency Response Plan, effective policies and procedures, and documented records for all major aspects of operations and maintenance within a flight department or charter company.

IS-BAO is a comprehensive code of best practices designed to help flight departments worldwide achieve a high level of safety and professionalism. It provides baseline requirements for structuring flight departments and planning and conducting their operations. It challenges flight departments to review their current systems, programs and procedures, recognize strengths and weaknesses in those procedures, and continually pursue higher standards.

Overall, IS-BAO covers SMS requirements, organization and personnel, standard operating procedures, training programs, flight operations, operations in international airspace, aircraft equipment requirements, aircraft maintenance requirements, company operations manual, emergency response plan, environmental management, occupational health and safety, transportation of dangerous goods, and security. Stage One confirms that the SMS infrastructure is established, that safety management activities are appropriately targeted, and all supporting standards have been established.