International Aviation Services Organization unveiled at EBACE

IASO’s mission is to provide a unified voice for aviation services companies at airports around the world. 

Created by a Board of Directors with decades of international industry experience, the organisation will champion key issues affecting the air freight, aviation services and logistics sector.

“Our goal is to improve safety and facilitate the highest standards in Aviation Services, working closely with established industry organisations to see how they can benefit in becoming an IASO member,” said Munir Khalifa, IASO president and founder. IASO provides a direct representative link with other established associations, including IATA, ICAO, AAA and MEBAA, he said, speaking at the launch in Geneva.  

IASO members will have access to an online database system--Aviation Ground Services Assessment (AGSA)--for auditing and measuring key risk factors, as well as discounted insurance and expeditious payment for services rendered. A sophisticated arbitration-resolution mechanism ensures ISAO members have access to quality service.

The Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) and MIXJET are founding members and will follow IASO’s vision to speak with one voice, pursuing  one consistent level of industry standards that will “level the playing field” for all aviation services providers thereby guaranteeing  the highest level of service, cost-savings and efficiency.

Small industry supply companies can also benefit by utilizing IASO’s resources with key tools such as ground damage reporting tool, audit support and fuel price efficiency, Khalifa added.

IASO will work as an umbrella association for all aviation services companies all over the world. It embraces two sub-organisations—International Handling Agents’ Organisation (IHAO) and International Fuel Service Organisation (IFSO). 

Interested companies can apply for membership online at www.iaso-organization.org/memberships/membership-application with the option to select four levels of membership: Platinum, Gold, Silver and General.  Annual fees start at US$3,000. 

IASO’s members will also be invited to collaborate and support humanitarian operations to eradicate world hunger through aligning with the “Helping Hands” World Food Programme. “Providing WFP with our members’ expertise means we are not only doing our part for the good of the industry but also contributing to help others help themselves as we try to win the battle to defeat world hunger,” said Captain Samir Sajet, board director of IASO and UAE safety officer for the WFP.