SEATTLE, Nov. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines
today announced that it has successfully completed the
International Air Transport Association's Operational Safety Audit
(IOSA) and has been renewed on the IOSA Registry. The airline has
been on the registry for 10 years, since 2006.
"Alaska Airlines is focused on a culture of safety. Our top
priority every day on every flight is to operate safely for our
customers and our employees," said Alaska CEO Brad Tilden. "I'm proud of our 15,000 employees
whose safety-centric focus has enabled Alaska to meet this internationally-recognized
benchmark."
The IOSA program is a key element of the International Air
Transport Association's efforts to promote global airline
operational safety. To be on the IOSA Registry, an airline must
satisfy more than 900 standards and recommended practices in its
operational areas, including flight operations, operational control
and dispatch, maintenance, cabin operations, ground handling, cargo
operations and operational security.
The comprehensive week-long audit takes place every two years
and is conducted by an independent organization accredited by the
IATA.
Since its inception in 2003, the IOSA program has improved
aviation safety worldwide by establishing a universally accepted
set of safety standards. Preparing for and completing IOSA
registration is a condition of membership in IATA, which represents
83 percent of global air traffic.
Alaska Airlines sister airline Horizon Air has also been listed
on the registry since 2006.
Safety Over Speed
Last year Alaska and Horizon renewed their commitment to
safety with the launch of "Ready, SAFE, Go," an internal program
that encourages employees to put safety first and supports them in
stopping any flight at any time if there is a safety concern.
"This program was launched to remind employees that safety needs
to be at the forefront of everything we do," said Tom Nunn, the airline's vice president of
safety. "It poses three questions to think about before beginning
any task: Are you ready? Is everything
safe? Only then, is it time to go."
Nunn said customers may notice "Ready, SAFE, Go" messages on
company equipment at the airport.
"The "Ready, SAFE, Go" logo is emblazoned on safety vests, tugs
and baggage carts as a constant reminder that safety trumps all
other considerations at Alaska and
Horizon including on-time performance and profits," said Nunn.
"Every employee has the power to stop the operation if they have a
safety concern."
Alaska Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK),
together with its partner regional airlines, serves more than 100
cities through an expansive network in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Alaska Airlines ranked "Highest in
Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Carriers in North America" in the J.D. Power North America
Airline Satisfaction Study for eight consecutive years from 2008 to
2015. Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan also ranked "Highest in
Customer Satisfaction with Airline Loyalty Rewards Programs" in the
J.D. Power 2014 and 2015 Airline Loyalty/Rewards Program
Satisfaction Report. For reservations, visit www.alaskaair.com. For
more news and information, visit Alaska Airlines' newsroom at
www.alaskaair.com/newsroom.
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SOURCE Alaska Airlines