IBAC Updates On IS-BAH Growth, IS-BAO Compliance

The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) governing board recently outlined the rapid growth of the IS-BAH program and progress on gaining further recognition IS-BAO.

During its recent meeting, IBAC reported that work with ICAO's ground-handling task force on creating global guidance for flight support service providers continues. The document is expected to recognise IS-BAH as an industry standard for stakeholders to meet safety management system (SMS) requirements. A draft is expected in February for review by the ICAO task force in March.

Meanwhile, IS-BAH continues to grow. There are "about 90 stations" that have met the standard, and that number could reach 120 by April based on the number awaiting audits, IBAC reported.

The council also continues to work with EASA on recognition of IS-BAO as an alternate means of compliance for EASA Part NCC “or provide significant credit toward compliance with Part NCC across all EASA member states,” IBAC said. 

An EASA audit team is due to scrutinise IS-BAO in February as part of the effort.

The council also announced its intention to develop an SMS for business aircraft operators, and approved its first ever communications plan. More details on both are expected in early 2018, according to IBAC. The group also recently welcomed the African Business Aviation Association as its 15th member organization.