By  Kenneth Ehigiator
Qatar Airways has  received a top safety award from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in recognition of its outstanding achievement in its Operational Safety Audit (IOSA).

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker was presented the award by Director General and CEO of IATA Giovanni Bisignani, during an awards ceremony at IATA’s annual meeting held in Kuala Lumpur.

Al Baker said the award was a timely reminder that Qatar Airways remained at the forefront of international aviation standards, with an impeccable safety record.

“Qatar Airways has always applied best industry practices to maintain the safety standards of its operations. The safety of our customers and passengers is of the utmost importance. It is a true honour to receive this award on behalf of Qatar Airways.

“Today, I represent around 15,000 employees and this award is recognition of the hard work and professionalism constantly at work behind the scenes to ensure the highest safety standards are achieved and maintained across our entire operation.

“I applaud IATA for its implementation of a comprehensive set of international safety standards which has set the bar for all airlines globally,” Al Baker said.

IATA incorporates 230 airlines from 120 countries that operate 93% of the world’s scheduled air traffic.
IATA introduced IOSA in 2003, in which member airlines were audited to certify the quality of their safety measures across all aspects of operations.

Qatar Airways was the first airline in the world to earn the IOSA certification and did so with 100% compliance in an exacting audit of the airline’s operations.The airline passed subsequent audits in 2005 and 2007 again with 100% pass rate.

The IOSA certification must be renewed every two years to remain valid and Qatar Airways is currently undergoing its fourth audit, which will confirm the airline’s operational safety until 2011.