Premium shared ownership provider Flexjet has achieved the International Standard for Business Aviation Operators (IS-BAO) for its European operation.
IS-BAO was developed by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and is a globally
recognized code of practice to denote professionalism, safety and excellence among business
aircraft operators, modeled on the wider ISO 9000 quality management system.
At the foundation of IS-BAO is the development of a Safety Management System to assess and
mitigate risks involved in flight operations.
Flexjet’s European operation, which grew its flight activity by more than 400% in 2021, was
officially recognized by IBAC to meet IS-BAO standards in December.
This followed a rigorous, independent audit of its UK aviation operations, structures and
processes. The company now continues in IBAC’s Progressive Stage 3 programme, aimed at
well-established operators looking to leverage their advanced safety systems to the very highest
standards of safety and excellence.
Marine Eugène, Flexjet European managing director said, “Flexjet is proud to receive this
significant recognition from IBAC, demonstrating the huge commitment we have made to build
our European operation around a solid framework of safety and service. It reflects the dedication, hard work and effort made by the whole Flexjet team, since we launchedin Europe in 2019.”
The announcement follows two further operational accreditations for Flexjet in Europe towards
the end of 2021, a year in which it also broadened its European reach with a second Air Operator
Certificate for Malta, awarded in July.
In November Flexjet was granted EASA Approved Training Organisation (ATO) status from
Transport Malta, which allows the company to deliver its own in-house conversion courses and
training. This gives greater control over the development timeline for its growing number of
European pilots.
In November Flexjet also received EASA Category II approval, with the advanced pilot training
qualification – unusual in business aviation – allowing it to operate to more airports in challenging
weather conditions.
Clive Richardson, Flexjet executive vice president of Flight Operations in Europe, led the
accreditation projects.
He said, “Since establishing Flexjet in Europe, we have worked relentlessly to structure ourselves
around the highest operational standards, and it is rewarding to have begun 2022 with some key
milestones reached.
“Of course, the work does not stop here by any means. Given our focus on continuous operational
and safety improvement, we have several other key projects in the pipeline for the year ahead.”
Eugène said, “Our ambitious plans for 2022 include significant expansion of our fleet,
crew and support infrastructure. Following the example of our well-established U.S. operation,
this growth will continue to be underpinned by our unrivalled safety culture and ethos of worldclass standards.”
