The International Air Transport Association (IATA) launched the IATA Standard Safety Assessment (ISSA) for airlines not eligible for the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA).

ISSA is a voluntary safety audit programme aligned with global best practices and created primarily for airlines that operate aircraft which have a lower maximum take-off weight (MTOW) than the 5,700 kg (12,566 lbs.) threshold for participation in IOSA. ISSA is also an alternative for airlines, such as some private charters whose business model does not allow conformity with IOSA’s standards. ISSA is not a substitute for IOSA which remains a requirement for IATA membership.

“There is a clear need to ensure that operators of all types of equipment have robust safety infrastructure in place, validated by an operational safety evaluation. ISSA, which is based on International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) provisions, enables the industry to address the need for a global operational safety standard for operators that are not eligible for IOSA. I am confident that it will deliver a positive safety benefit in the same manner as has IOSA,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s director general and CEO.

Utilising experience and knowledge gained from the IOSA Program, ISSA helps airline operators to conform to global safety standards and best practices; and provides them with an opportunity to evaluate and improve their existing operational and management control systems. ISSA also introduces elements of a Safety Management System (SMS). Additionally, assessments will be performed by IOSA Accredited Audit Organizations.

Unlike IOSA, ISSA is not linked to IATA membership. Airlines operating aircraft with a certificated MTOW above 5,700 kg will be eligible for one initial assessment under ISSA, after which the operator will be required to pursue an IOSA initial registration audit to stay on an IATA Audit registry.