Yeti Airlines and Tara Air have achieved the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s ISSA (IATA Standard Safety Assessment) Programme standard. The basic safety audit programme was successfully conducted by ICF International in which the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal was an observer.

ISSA is a global aviation safety standard programme established by IATA and accepted by the global aviation community as recognition of quality safety standards achieved and maintained by an airline.

“Both Yeti Airlines and Tara Air have now become the first domestic airlines, and at present the only airlines in South Asia to achieve this global ISSA safety standard,” said Capt Ravi Kansakar, director of flight safety at Yeti Airlines. Citing the importance of the recognition, he said that it is a milestone for the entire airline industry to be globally accepted and recognised for its safety measurement systems.

According to Kansakar, they have been awarded the recognition after different phases of assessments of documents and implementation of each requirement of global standards. The programme also assesses the organisation and management system of the operator, he said.

The assessment standards are derived directly from IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) Standards and Recommended Practices, introducing elements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Safety Management System.

“We have not only focused on profits but also the development of tourism and enhancement of the airline industry as a whole,” said Uddhav Prasad Subedi, director of engineering department of Yeti Airlines. He added that both the airlines have always strived to fulfil international standards. “Both the companies have planned safety measures and implemented them on a timely basis.”

“This is a historic achievement for Nepali airline companies because we have provided an assurance to our stakeholders and also encouraged other airlines to operate efficiently,” said Bhim Raj Rai, ground handling and media manager of the company.