In today’s dynamic environment, airlines need an IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) that focuses on safety risks, specific to the auditee, rather than applying a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Risk-based IOSA delivers an audit scope that will be tailored for each airline. Furthermore, the new approach introduces a maturity assessment of the airline's safety-critical systems and programs. Focusing on pertinent safety risks, while maintaining a baseline of safety, Risk-based IOSA increases the effectiveness of the audit and contributes to the overall industry goal of reducing the accident rate.

As a key foundational element of  the IOSA program the IOSA Standards Manual (ISM) contains the IOSA standards, recommended practices (ISARPs), and associated guidance material, which make up the assessment criteria for the IOSA Audit, and that is used by operators to successfully prepare for an audit.

The ISM is designed to assist operators in creating accuracy and operational efficiencies in preparing and conducting ongoing safe operations, based on the IOSA standard. 


IOSA Audit Best Practices Handbook and IOSA Audit Essentials Bundle

The IOSA Audit Best Practices Handbook (GMBPIAH) is a complementary manual to the ISM. While the ISM is driven on program standards and focuses on criteria, the GMBPIAH is procedure driven, focusing on “implementation".

Save up to 10% when purchasing the bundle. Order the bundle online.

What's inside the ISM?

  • Organization and Management Systems (ORG)
  • Flight Operations (FLT)
  • Operational Control and Flight Dispatch (DSP)
  • Aircraft Engineering and Maintenance (MNT)
  • Cabin Operations (CAB)
  • Ground Handling Operations (GRH)
  • Cargo Operations (CGO)
  • Security Management (SEC)

Still not sure if the ISM is for you? Download the full table of contents.

Stay up-to-date

Significant changes and amendments to the Edition 18 Rev 1 of the ISM include:

Please note: Maturity assessment criteria are now fully integrated into this version.

Section 1 – Organization and Management Systems (ORG)

  • ORG 2.4.2 & ORG 3.4.1: Upgraded from Recommended Practices to full Standards.
  • ORG 3.3.1 & ORG 3.3.2: Updated to reflect new ICAO aircraft weight thresholds for FDA applicability.
  • ORG 2.1.4: Auditor Actions revised; new requirement for validation of implementation.
  • ORG 2.2.3: ISSA registration now recognized; IATA Connect replaces legacy URLs.

Section 2 – Flight Operations (FLT)

  • FLT 1.12.2 & DSP 1.12.2: GPS jamming and spoofing added to training guidance.
  • FLT 2.2.16B: Broadened volcanic ash training to include areas, not just routes.
  • FLT 3.3.5: Flexibility introduced for state-specific flight crew age limits.
  • FLT 3.11.17 & 3.11.50B: Updates to sterile cockpit and turbulence policy requirements.

Section 3 – Operational Control & Flight Dispatch (DSP)

  • DSP 3.2.8C: New Standard introduced for Safety Risk Assessment (SRA) at flight planning stage.
  • DSP 3.2.9C: Aligned with EASA/FAA on incremental values for dispatch planning.

Section 4 – Aircraft Engineering & Maintenance (MNT)

  • MNT 1.11.6: Clarified training material requirements.
  • MNT 4.5.7: New guidance for taxiing by maintenance personnel.
  • MNT Table 4.11 (xxxi): New ROASS requirement added with implementation deadline.

Section 5 – Cabin Operations (CAB)

  • CAB 1.10.1A: Security now part of service provider selection criteria.
  • CAB 2.3.1: Clarified supervised line flying during initial training.
  • CAB 3.2.4A: Revised for clarity on cabin door operation and ground staff roles.

Section 6 – Ground Handling (GRH)

  • GRH 3.4.14A, 3.4.16, 3.4.17: Upgraded to Standards for ULD and DG incident handling.
  • GRH 3.7.10: Introduced “appropriate screening” in line with aviation security practices.

Section 7 – Cargo Operations (CGO)

  • CGO 2.2.4: Training now includes assessment; revenue/non-revenue cargo distinction removed.
  • CGO 3.6.2: New Recommended Practice for handling PEDs in cargo.
  • CGO Table 7.1: Terminology updated for clarity and accuracy.

Section 8 – Security Management (SEC)

  • SEC 1.1.1 to 1.12.2: Extensive updates to include SSPs, ESPs, and SeMS references.
  • SEC 1.5.2 & 1.5.3: Emphasis on competencies and controlled areas.
  • SEC 3.6.6: Revised DG incident reporting and crew baggage handling.

*Please note that this is not an exhaustive list.