Dana  Air has commenced an implementation training initiative as part of the preliminary process to prepare for IATA Operational Safety Audit, IOSA, the highest level of safety in global aviation.

The exercise is in conformity with Africa Union’s Abuja Declaration which, last year, mandated all African airlines to achieve IOSA status by 2015.

Dana Air is one of ten African cariers benefiting from the IOSA implementation training initiative, which is 100 per cent funded by International Airline Training Fund, IATF.

IAFT is a non-profit foundation which purpose is to bridge the training gaps for airlines in regions of the world where it is most needed, with a particular focus on improving safety.

The first stage of the implementation training is a gap analysis workshop, the first of three sessions over the next year, that will give Dana Air a greater understanding of its shortcomings in relation to the IOSA Standards and Recommended Practices, ISARPs, and to provide guidance and tools to establish action plans towards ISARPs’ implementation.

Speaking on the development, Chief Operating Officer of the airline, Mr. Yvan Drewinsky, said  Dana Air was resolute in adhering to globally recognised safety standards, adding that commencement of  the preliminary training for the IOSA process confirmed the premium the airline placed on safety.

“The IOSA Implementation Training Initiative is coming at an auspicious time when Dana Airline is looking at reinforcing services as well as seeking the possibility of forming alliances with global airlines, as it aims to operate in line with the highest global standards,” Drewinsky said.

On his part, IATF Manager, Oscar Haro, said IATA was pleased to confirm Dana Airlines as one of the 10 African airlines for the IOSA implementation training in readiness to meet the challenges of  Abuja Declaration of the AU.

“Congratulations to Dana Air on being accepted as one of the 10 airlines that the IATF will support with IOSA implementation training. Airlines applying to access the training fund had to satisfy a varied set of criteria, and Dana Air’s commitment to reaching world-class safety levels was a major factor in their successful application,” said Haro.

IOSA is an internationally accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of airlines.

It uses internationally recognized quality audit principles, conducting audits in a standardized and consistent manner worldwide.