IATA grants RJ ground operations ISAGO Registration

This was following the successful completion of a comprehensive audit of all ground-handling operations at Queen Alia International Airport and at RJ's headquarters in Amman.

ISAGO is an audit program for ground-handling companies serving airlines at airports.

RJ President/CEO Samer Majali expressed satisfaction with this high level of achievement, which confirms RJ's commitment to top safety of ground operations that RJ effects for its and other carriers' aircraft operating at QAIA.

He pointed out that the ISAGO registration is a new IATA program that is modeled after the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), which assesses airline operational management and control systems. IOSA is a condition for IATA membership. RJ achieved IOSA certification in 2004. It was the second Arab carrier to do so, and the 28th worldwide.

Majali said that:

"Royal Jordanian, the oneworld member, is also among the first airlines to obtain ISAGO certification. ISAGO is built around a set of harmonized internationally recognized standards and accepted system for assessing the operational management and control systems of the Ground Service Provider."

IATA's decision to award RJ this registration came after a comprehensive six-day audit carried out by an IATA-licensed ISAGO audit team. During the first two days the licensed company PROS performed the headquarters audit, following 126 standards to inspect organizational systems and documentation. The headquarters audit focused on the Organization & Management System and making sure that the airline safety functions are performed in conformity with the latest industry operational practices.

During the remaining four days, licensed auditors carried out the ground operations audit at QAIA, following 360 standards (station audit). This portion of the audit involved station management system, passenger and baggage handling, load control, aircraft handling & loading, aircraft ground movement and cargo& mail handling.

ISAGO offers benefits to airlines, ground handlers, regulatory as well as airport authorities. Among them, safer ground operations, fewer accidents and injuries, elimination of redundant audits, reduced costs, less damage and fewer audits, a uniform audit process and harmonized standards, improved safety oversight, harmonized auditor training and qualifications, improved quality standards, and enhanced understanding of high-risk areas within ground operations.

Majali stressed that obtaining this registration reflects IATA's recognition of RJ's commitment to ground safety program and system, and the airline's attention to safety. RJ is in full alignment with all ISAGO requirements.

A number of RJ employees underwent a formal ISAGO Auditor Training Course, developed by the IATA Training and Development Institute, in order to become approved ISAGO auditors, to be able to audit ground operations provided by airlines and ground-handing companies.