Indonesian airlines pursue IATA standard to boost reputations

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Wed, 08/15/2007 1:15 PM

Alvin Darlanika Soedarjo, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Several Indonesian airlines have pledged to join the ""extra-tough' audit program of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to improve their safety reputation.

""We want to collaborate with the IATA, especially through its IOSA program, or IATA Operational Safety Audit, to show that we are committed to safety,"" Transportation Minister Jusman Syafii Djamal told the Roundtable for Aviation Safety meeting on Tuesday.

IOSA strives to reduce overlapping audits by utilizing a single standardized system accepted worldwide. Jusman added that IATA, which has 270 global airline members, had a strict measure for air carriers.

""We want passing the IOSA to be mandatory for all airlines but this will be difficult. We can only recommend airlines to join the program.

""The ministry also opens its door to any international regulatory body to do an audit of its own,"" Jusman said.

Several air carriers, such as national carrier Garuda Indonesia, Adam Air, Lion Air and Mandala Airlines, have said they will take part in the program.

IATA focuses its auditing standard on key aspects of airline and airline support operations. It consists of corporate organization and management, flight operations, ground handling, maintenance, cabin operations and security.

The European Commission banned on July 6 all Indonesian airlines from entering its territory following a string of accidents in Indonesia, although no Indonesian airlines currently serve European routes.

Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) then announced it was considering following the EU's lead. Jakarta reacted quickly, inviting GACA to send a team to audit Indonesian airlines. The team cleared Garuda, the only Indonesian airline flying to the Middle Eastern kingdom, and set it met safety standards.

Director general of air transportation Budhi M. Suyitno said that IATA was ready to hold a workshop for local airlines regarding its audit system.

""This September, they are going to have a free workshop here for a maximum of 30 airlines.""

Airlines or businesses supporting air transportation operations, such as regional and cargo airlines, can benefit from an IOSA audit for improved safety and efficiency.

The Indonesian regulator says that local airlines need to comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization, part of the United Nations, and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's safety regulations.

""Airlines that don't comply with the safety regulations will simply back off from the business because the air travel business is a safety business,"" Budhi said.

Garuda Indonesia president director Emirsyah Satar said that meeting IATA requirements was a difficult challenge.

""IATA has examined Garuda from several perspectives, such as our operational monitoring system, engineering, personal licensing and others. We hope that we can pass the IOSA certification this year.""

He added that IOSA, which has certified 163 air carriers, could raise the standard of an airline so it would be easier for a company to collaborate internationally.

Adam Air chairman Adam A. Suherman said that the company had already prepared for an IATA audit even before the regulator recommended the program.

""We need to meet their requirements before they arrive here for the examination. One-and-a-half years are needed for preparation,"" he said.

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