News Release

AirX awarded IS-BAO Stage 2 certification

AirX Charter Ltd. has just been awarded IS-BAO Stage 2 certification following an in-depth three day audit and aircraft inspection carried out in February 2019. Ten findings were raised.

The International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO), developed by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and its member associations, is a recommended code of best practices designed to help flight departments worldwide achieve high levels of safety and professionalism. IS-BAO is an industry standard built for operators, by operators that provides standards based on the ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS).

In order to become IS-BAO certified and to maintain that certification, an operator must undergo regular audits, typically every two years. During the audit process, a lengthy list of aviation operations is subject to deep scrutiny. Some of these include:

- Safety management systems (SMS)

- Organisation and personnel

- Training and proficiency

- Flight operations

- Operations in International and other specialised airspace

- Equipment requirements

- Maintenance requirements

- Company operations manual

- Emergency response plan

- Environmental management

- Occupational health and safety

- Transportation of dangerous goods

- Security

The programme centres on the safety management system (SMS) and leads the operator from establishing principles, to achieving an effective SMS, and eventually attaining a risk-averse, generative safety culture. Audits ensure conformance with the standards and recommended practices. The registration certificate issued upon successful completion of an audit serves as proof of conformance to key ICAO standards.

Audits concentrate on SMS development through a gradual process of advancing maturity:

- Stage One confirms that the SMS infrastructure is established and that safety management activities are appropriately targetted. This was obtained by AirX Charter Ltd. back in May 2017.

- Stage Two ensures that safety risks are being effectively managed.

- Stage Three verifies that safety management activities are fully integrated into the operator’s business and that a positive safety culture is being sustained.

More than 700 business aviation operators in 35 countries are currently IS-BAO registered and continue to improve their safety risk profile, operating effectiveness and efficiency.

There are many benefits associated with IS-BAO approval, from reduced insurance rates to enhanced operational safety. However, the main benefit to customers is peace of mind that AirX Charter Ltd ensures the highest standards of safety throughout the organisation.