In today’s dynamic environment, airlines need an IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) that focuses on safety risks, specific to the auditee, rather than applying a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Risk-based IOSA delivers an audit scope that will be tailored for each airline. Furthermore, the new approach introduces a maturity assessment of the airline's safety-critical systems and programs.
Focusing on pertinent safety risks, while maintaining a baseline of safety, Risk-based IOSA increases the effectiveness of the audit and contributes to the overall industry goal of reducing the accident rate
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Tailored Audit Scope
Audit scoping is based on a combination of industry standards and operator-specific elements such as operational profile, safety events, and the operator's IOSA audit history.
The below example illustrates how different factors will be considered in the audit scoping and how this practice differs from today's process.
Example of audit scoping under a risk-based approach to IOSA
| Audit Scoping | today | Future |
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Maturity Assessment
The maturity assessment introduces a more structured and comprehensive way of providing the airline with an evaluation of its relevant safety systems and programs. This further assists in determining the next steps in improving its operational safety.
In addition to the introduction of the maturity assessment, Risk-based IOSA continues to require a baseline of conformity with IOSA Standards and Recommended Practices (ISARPs). The example below shows the difference between the conventional conformity assessment and the maturity assessment that has been introduced.
Example of maturity assessment under a risk-based approach to IOSA
| Maturity assessment | today | Future |
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FLT 2.2.14 "The Operator shall ensure flight crew members compete Operator familiarization training prior..." |
Assessment Method (on each ISARP) Conformity Nonconformity |
Assessment Method (on selected ISARPs and Programs)
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Transition
The transition to full implementation of Risk-based IOSA in 2025 is well underway. During 2023 over 25 operators were audited under this modality and the number increased substantially in 2024.
Throughout this time, workshops and trainings are being conducted for airlines, auditors, and regulators.
Added Value
Over the last 19 years, IOSA has become the industry benchmark in safety auditing. With this new risk-based approach, the program will provide industry-wide stakeholders with additional value.
- Tailored and reduced audit scope focusing efforts where needed the most
- Improved audit methods through maturity evaluation
- Improved management and standardization of auditors
- Safety insights are captured to deliver safety improvements and reduction of local accident rates
- New insights through improved audit reports
- Long-term sustainability of IOSA program through direct management of insourced products
Need more information?
- IATA recently held a Q&A session - have a look at the Q&A brief (pdf)
- Risk-based IOSA Executive Brief (pdf)
- Newsletter - July 2024 (pdf)
- IOSA Risk-Based Approach One-Pager (pdf)
- IOSA Risk-Based Approach - FAQs (pdf)
- IOSA Risk-Based Approach - Generic Presentation (pdf)
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at iosa@iata.org