Himalaya Airlines becomes first certified safety-audit operator in Nepal

KATHMANDU, Jan 09:Himalaya Airlines is the first and only airline in Nepal to be registered as an operator in an International Air Transport Association (IATA) safety audit program.

The certificate was granted for the Airlines' initiative to strengthen the safety standards of the aviation sector. The IATA certified the Airlines with IOSA in December, 2023 which will be valid until March 3, 2025, according to the Himalayan Airlines.  

The certificate reads “Himalaya Airlines Pvt. Ltd. has been successfully registered as an IOSA Operator under the IATA Operational Safety Audit program (IOSA), in accordance with the provisions of the IOSA Program Manual.”

The IOSA certification for Himalaya Airlines confirms that Himalaya Airlines adheres to the highest safety standards and best practices, providing passengers with a secure and reliable travel experience. As the first and only IOSA certified airline in Nepal, Himalaya Airlines gains international recognition for its commitment to safety. The rigorous IOSA audit process also evaluates and enhances various aspects of H9’s operations, leading to certifiable efficiency, risk management, and overall performance. 

Vijay Shrestha, vice president of Himalaya Airlines, stated that "this  milestone signifies a positive shift in Nepal's aviation industry. We are proud to lead by example, setting new benchmarks for safety and operational excellency. This certification not only validates our ongoing efforts to maintain the highest safety standards but also positions us as a trusted airline in the global aviation community. We look forward to continuing to raise the bar in the years to come.” 

Similarly,  Deputy Director General of Aviation Safety & Security Regulation Directorate Ms. Nabina Karmacharya remarked," On behalf of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, I commend Himalaya Airlines for their exceptional dedication to safety leading to the prestigious IOSA certification. This accomplishment of Himalaya has definitely helped in reinforcing trust and confidence amongst the passengers, contributing significantly towards the growth and development of air travel in the country.” 

The IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) is a globally recognized and standardized audit program for airlines developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline with the primary goal of enhancing operational safety and promoting a common safety standard within the aviation industry.

This process involves an audit of an airline's policies, procedures, and practices. It includes both document reviews and on-site assessments. After successful completion of Audit and compliance of all findings IOSA certification is provided to airlines. IOSA registration is thus seen as a mark of safety excellence, and is also the prerequisite for IATA membership.