Namibian private-sector domestic and regional airline FlyNamibia announced on Tuesday that it has joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The association is the global representative body for the airline industry, with some 300 member airlines, from more than 120 countries.

“This momentous occasion is a testament to FlyNamibia’s dedication to excellence, safety and customer satisfaction,” enthused the airline. “As we embark on this new chapter, we anticipate the myriad benefits that IATA membership will bring to the airline, its passengers, and the aviation industry as a whole. Together, with FlyNamibia as an IATA member, we are confident that we can soar to new heights and create a brighter, more connected, and sustainable future for air travel.”

The airline highlighted that IATA was driven by a core vision of airlines working together to make aviation safe, secure and sustainable. The association’s ultimate aim is to establish an air transport sector that both connects peoples and enriches the global community.

“FlyNamibia’s membership in [sic] IATA opens up a world of opportunities for the airline, its employees, and, most importantly, its valued customers,” affirmed the airline. “By aligning with IATA’s principles and collaborating with a global network of industry leaders, FlyNamibia is poised to elevate its operations, offer enhanced services, and contribute to the growth and sustainability of air travel in Namibia.”

The carrier’s home base is at Windhoek’s Eros Airport, from which it offers domestic routes to Ondangwa, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Lüderitz and Oranjemund. It currently operates one international (regional) route, between Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport and Cape Town International Airport in South Africa.

Joining IATA means that FlyNamibia has undergone, and passed, the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). IOSA accreditation is mandatory for IATA membership.

Coincidently, on Wednesday IATA marked the 20th anniversary of the launch of IOSA. As there were airlines which were not members of IATA but which had voluntarily undergone the audit, the number of IOSA-certified carriers (417) exceeded the number of IATA members. This highlighted the pre-eminent status of IOSA.

The data confirmed that IOSA-certified airlines were safer than airlines not on the IOSA register. Since 2005, the all-accident rate for IOSA-certified airlines has been 1.40 per million sectors flown, but for non-IOSA-certified airlines it has been 3.49 per million sectors flown. The equivalent figures for last year were 0.7 and 2.82 respectively.

“IOSA is the globally recognised standard for airline operational safety auditing,” pointed out IATA senior VP operations, safety and security Nick Careen. “Now we are taking it to the next level by tailoring the audit activity to the operator’s profile and focusing on high-risk areas. As IOSA evolves to deliver greater value for the operator and the industry, we hope additional airlines will see the value of this important safety programme and strongly urge more governments to make it a formal part of their safety oversight.”