Chief guest, Ms Nabina Karmacharya, Deputy Director General of Aviation safety and Security Regulation posing with team of Himalaya Airlines at the end of the conference on Tuesday . (Photo Credit: Bishal Shrestha, SATV)

Kathmandu, Jan 09: Himalaya Airlines, a leading international carrier of Nepal has been Nepal's first and the only IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) Registered Operator by elevating the safety standards. The Himalayan Airlines received its milestone achievement with the issuance of IOSA certification by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on December 28, 2023 with the validity until March 03, 2025. The Airlines held a formal press meet on Tuesday to officially announce this achievement to all Nepalese.

IOSA audits, an internationally recognized and accepted evaluation system, aims essential components such as flight operations, operational control, aircraft engineering and maintenance, cabin operations, and more are scrutinized to guarantee that airlines operate with uncompromised safety standards.

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.

Addressing the media, Mr. Vijay Shrestha, Vice President of Himalaya Airlinesve expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "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."

Deputy Director General of Aviation Safety & Security Regulation Directorate Ms. Nabina 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. 

Some other glimpses of the event are: