Tampa, FL (January 20, 2016) – World Fuel Services announced today that the Air Elite® Network has partnered with the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) so network members can attend training and pursue the International Standard for Business Aviation Handling (IS-BAH™) accreditation in 2016 and beyond.
Several Air Elite members currently hold IS-BAH accreditation or are working toward the certification. With the guidance of the Air Elite Network, all members can attend workshops and take steps to becoming accredited.
IS-BAH™ is designed to promote the use of industry best practices through a progressive Safety Management System (SMS) for Fixed Based Operations and Business Aircraft Handling Agencies. As one global industry code of best practices, IS-BAH™ introduces a regulatory standard for the safety oversight of ground service providers and aircraft operators to meet the proposed changes to SMS requirements.
IS-BAH™ follows the long-established structure of the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations Program (IS-BAO) and incorporates the NATA Safety 1st Ground Audit Program. IS-BAH™ helps organize and monitor service delivery processes, systems and behaviors. In addition, IS-BAH™ provides a registration process, auditor credentialing, audit approval process, and a fully integrated implementation manual.
Conforming to these standards and recommended practices is voluntary and may be self-administered. However, an IBAC certificate to recognize the implementation/conformance to the standards is available through a third party auditing process.
“The Air Elite Network has set the bar high for its members in the area of service standards and quality since the network’s inception. Safety is always paramount in the Aviation industry. Air Elite’s goal of bringing each member up to speed with the new IS-BAH™ requirements furthers the network’s commitment to quality and safety excellence,” said John Rau, World Fuel Services’ Executive Vice President of Aviation.
More specifically, IS-BAH™ strives to provide the following benefits:
• Safer ground operations, fewer accidents and injuries
• ‘Safest Optimum Practice’ ground handling procedures and improved safety oversight
• Enhanced understanding of high risk areas within scope of ground activities
• Reduced injury and ground damage costs
• Elimination of redundant audits from operators – one IS-BAH™ audit in place of many operator audits
• Uniform audit process and harmonized industry standards – o Quality management based on standards can be implemented more effectively
• Influence in standard-setting process helps reduce disadvantages from regulations
• HSE management based on standards can be implemented more effectively
The Air Elite Network is comprised of 51 uniquely exceptional diamond service locations worldwide and continues to grow steadily. The network was established in late 2011 and each FBO must meet a number of airport, facility and service quality standards in order to qualify for membership.
About Air Elite®
Air Elite® is a global network of uniquely exceptional FBOs. The premier network of Diamond Service locations is strategically positioned around the world. The comfort of consistency is delivered through elevated facility standards and benchmarking The Ritz-Carlton philosophy on customer service. Air Elite offers customers the pleasure of variety with the local expertise and regional nuances of independently owned FBOs. www.AirEliteNetwork.com
About World Fuel Services Corporation
Headquartered in Miami, Florida, World Fuel Services is a global fuel logistics, transaction and payment processing company, principally engaged in the distribution of fuel and related products and services in the aviation, marine and land transportation industries. World Fuel Services sells fuel and delivers services to its clients at more than 8,000 locations in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.
The company's global team of market makers provides deep domain expertise in all aspects of aviation, marine and land fuel management. Aviation customers include commercial airlines, cargo carriers, private aircraft and fixed base operators (FBOs), as well as the United States and foreign governments. World Fuel Services' marine customers include international container and tanker fleets, cruise lines and time-charter operators, as well as the United States and foreign governments. Land customers include petroleum distributors, retail petroleum operators, and industrial, commercial, and government accounts. The company also offers transaction management services which consist of card payment solutions and merchant processing services to customers in the aviation, marine and land transportation industries. For more information, call 305-428-8000 or visit www.wfscorp.com.
Source: World Fuel Services Corporation
