Oman Air recognised as one of the world's safest airlines

Muscat: National carrier Oman Air has been awarded the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) registration by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) at Muscat International Airport (MCT) and Salalah Airport (SLL).

Being the first certified company in Oman, the award confirms the safety of Oman Air ground operations making it globally-recognised as one of the safest airlines.

ISAGO is an internationally-recognised audit programme for ground-handling companies. The programme uses internationally recognised ground operational standards aimed at reducing risk and cost. This provides ground handlers with a uniform set of standards from all airports irrespective of the airline they are handling.

Oman Air was awarded ISAGO registration following a comprehensive audit that was carried out by IATA-approved auditors from the 24th of April until the 1st of May 2017. During the audit, the headquarters and stations of Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport were assessed on over 300 ground operation standards and recommended practices. The areas covered by the audit were Organization and Management, Load Control, Passenger and Baggage handling and Aircraft handling and Loading.

Eng Abdulaziz Saud Al Raisi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, said: “We are very pleased to have been awarded the Safety Audit for Ground Operations registration by the International Air Transport Association and it is especially rewarding to know that we are the first company in Oman to have achieved this important accolade. We always strive to follow the best practice and this registration demonstrates that our committed ground handling team is achieving this across the board. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the team and thank them for their hard work.”

ISAGO offers a vast range of advantages to ground handlers, including safer ground operations, fewer accidents and injuries, elimination of redundant audits, reduced costs, less damage and fewer audits. Uniform audit processes and standards, improved safety oversight, harmonized auditor training and qualifications, improved quality standards, and an enhanced understanding of high-risk areas within ground operations are also benefits.

One of the core values of Oman Air has always been its commitment to the safety and security of both customers and staff. The months of preparation culminating in the ISAGO registration reflects the company’s commitment to the continuous improvement in safety standards whilst demonstrating its ability to operate with globally-recognized industry best practices.