Following on the recent successful introduction of Operational Quality Standard (OQS) audits, strengthening requirements for new member applicants, the International Air Transport Association - IATA - intends to introduce a set of International Standard Audits and offer a related range of value-added audit and audit tracking services.

The airline industry is subject to an ever-increasing proliferation of inspections, reviews and audits which often overlap, both in intent and content. World-wide, over 70,000 audits a year are performed, costing in excess of USD 3 billion. Underlying this large cost is a wide variability in both operating and audit standards and their application. Standardization and harmonization will enhance air transport safety world-wide.

IATA Director General Pierre J. Jeanniot said, "As an independent international body with global influence, credibility and access to world-wide technical resources, IATA is well positioned to develop and lead the implementation of harmonized and cost-effective industry-wide operating and audit standards."

This program will be focussing initially on the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) which will cover flight operations, safety management, engineering, maintenance, ground operations, cargo, dangerous goods, and related training in these areas.

The implementation of the IATA program will rationalize global audit efforts and bring significant performance improvements and cost savings to the airline industry while ensuring that the competence, quality and robustness of an airline to achieve safety objectives and manage related risks is properly assessed and accredited.