Cebu Pacific hurdles IATA’s Operational Safety Audit

Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific is now a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global airline industry’s trade association with over 290 member-airlines, the company said on Tuesday.

The airline was able to fully comply with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), an internationally-recognized and accepted evaluation system that assesses operational management and control systems of airlines.

Cebu Pacific is IATA’s largest member among Philippine carriers, with 44% domestic passenger volume and 46 % total domestic cargo, according to data from the Philippines’ Civil Aeronautics Board.

“We are pleased to join IATA as we can gain access to expertise and learnings on best practices and innovations among global airlines, as well as help formulate policies on critical aviation issues,” said Lance Gokongwei, Cebu Pacific’s president and CEO.

“Moreover, we will also be able to share our own operational experience and contribute to further developing the airline industry as a whole,” he added.

Gokongwei recently received the IATA Certificate of Membership from Conrad Clifford, the IATA regional vice president for Asia Pacific.

Clifford also briefed the Cebu Pacific CEO on IATA governance, industry concerns and how the association can support CEB’s expansion plans.

“We warmly welcome Cebu Pacific, Asia’s oldest low-cost carrier, to the IATA family. Today about 20% of our members globally is low-cost carriers and we are encouraging  more to join,” said Clifford.

IATA’s mission is to represent, lead and serve the airline industry. It aims to shape the future growth of a safe, secure and sustainable air transport industry that connected and enriched the world. —Angelica Yang/VDS, GMA News