IATA renews AI's safety registration for Mumbai airport

In a major boost to the national carrier Air India's image, international airlines body IATA has renewed the airline's registration for safety audit of ground operations at the Mumbai airport, the airline said on Friday.

The Isago (IATA safety audit for ground operations) reviews an airline's headquarters organisation and management systems as well as the station's management system, passenger and baggage handling, load control, ground handling and loading, ground movement, cargo and mail handling, the AI statement said.

Air India was the first ground services provider in the country to have obtained the Isago registration in 2010,

which has now been renewed, the statement said.

"The Isago certification also highlights Air India's commitment and proactive initiative to progress beyond the minimum safety and quality standards in all spheres of aviation," it said.

Air India had conducted its first IATA operational safety audit audit in 2004.

Compliance with Isago will minimise possibilities of untoward incidents, require less audit operations, reduce costs, unify standards and ensure greater safety and quality standards, the airline said.

As part of the exercise, the Isago audit is conducted by an auditor deputed from IATA accredited audit organisation for AI headquarters, and by auditors from an Isago audit pool member-airlines.