Kenya Airways feted by International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Kenya Airways’ safety improvement initiatives received a major endorsement from the global aviation association.

 

The International Air Travel Association (IATA) presented Kenya Airways with two certifications following a rigorous safety audit of the airline’s operations. These are the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) certificates. 

 

IOSA is an internationally accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline. ISAGO aims to improve safety and cut airline costs by drastically reducing ground accidents and injuries. 

 

Speaking at the certificate presentation ceremony, Kenya Airways CEO Dr Titus Naikuni said the airline continuously enhances its safety operational systems in order to ensure safety and quality of service to its customers.

 

“As an airline that is seeking to strengthen its global presence, we have to ensure we adhere to the highest safety standards. This will also help strengthen and sustain the confidence of our passengers as we seek to grow and open new markets,” said Dr Naikuni. 

 

Mr. Gaoussou Konate, the IATA Regional Director Africa, commended the airline for its commitment to achieving the highest aviation safety standards. “We note that the airline has strived to enhance its safety performance. These certificates are issued after a rigorous audit under IATA standards,” he said. 

 

The IATA safety audit comes with some benefits including reduced costs. Since it is internationally recognized, KQ will not have to undergo multiple safety audits in different jurisdictions. By ensuring that its ground operations adhere to high safety standards, Kenya Airways will ensure its operational costs are low by minimizing damage. 

 

“Safe ground operations mean less accidents, less damage and therefore fewer audits,” explained Dr Naikuni. The ground safety audits covered the period June-July 2011. 

 

Kenya Airways plans to expand its fleet from the current 34 aircraft to 107 in ten years. To finance the acquisition of the aircraft, the airline is seeking to raise additional capital through a Rights Issue later this year to fund the acquisition of the new aircraft.