Himalaya Airlines becomes first Nepali airline to achieve top global safety recognition

Kathmandu: Himalaya Airlines has successfully passed the rigorous international flight operations safety audit conducted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The audit was carried out under IATA’s operational safety audit program, granting the airline global safety management accreditation, a prestigious recognition set to be upheld until March 2025.

IATA has officially registered Himalaya Airlines as an IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) operator, making it the first Nepali company to join the esteemed ranks of 360 airlines worldwide holding this designation. During a press briefing, Vijay Shrestha, the Vice President of Himalaya Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm about this significant achievement, stating, “This milestone signifies a positive shift in Nepal’s aviation industry.”

Vijay Shrestha continued to emphasize the pride associated with being recognized as an IOSA operator, attributing the success to adhering to the rules set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.

“We are proceeding according to the rules of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. The credit for us getting recognition goes to the authorities concerned,” he remarked.

The IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) is a globally renowned testing program designed to evaluate the operations management and control systems of airlines. This comprehensive examination encompasses an assessment of airlines’ policies, procedures, and practices, ensuring adherence to the highest safety standards.

Himalaya Airlines’ achievement as an IOSA operator not only marks a significant accomplishment for the airline but also reflects positively on Nepal’s aviation sector, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring the highest levels of safety and operational excellence.