Virgin Nigeria scales international safety audit hurdle

Shola Adekola,Lagos - 02.05.2008

Virgin Nigeria has become the first West African airline to be listed on the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA’s) directory, having completed the compulsory International Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) of the association.

By the listing, Virgin Nigeria has been placed at par with the best airlines in the world, having shown its commitment and demonstration to airline safety standards.

Speaking on the development, the Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Mr. Conrad Clifford, said “Virgin Nigeria’s listing on the IOSA Directory is coming at an auspicious time when the airline is forming alliances with other global airlines to better compete favourably on the international scene.

“Virgin Nigeria is resolute in adhering to globally recognised safety standards and the IOSA listing confirms the premium we place on safety,”Clifford said.

Part of the benefits of being listed in the IOSA Directory is that Virgin Nigeria can undertake audit sharing with other airlines, thereby increasing its code-share and interline business opportunities with other IOSA compliant airlines worldwide.

IOSA is the IATA Operational safety audit programme and the internationally accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of airlines.

The audit employs internationally recognised quality audit principles that are in a standardised and consistent manner worldwide.