The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has signed an agreement with Afroport Mauritanie to enhance the safety of ground operations at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport in Mauritania. The agreement focuses on promoting the adoption of two critical global standards: the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) and the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO).
Under the agreement, Afroport Mauritanie will promote the adoption of IGOM by ground handling service providers (GHSP) and recognize ISAGO as an acceptable means of compliance for airport oversight activities. It will also make ISAGO registration and station accreditation a condition for GHSPs to operate at the airport.
The joint work program between Afroport Mauritanie and IATA will monitor safety performance at the airport with the aim of identifying opportunities for improvement in ground operations. This partnership aims to support the development of a strong aviation sector with global standards and best practices at its heart.
Lower adoption rates for global standards rank high among the factors limiting the benefits that aviation could deliver in Africa. IATA’s commitment to promoting standardized, sustainable operations on the ground in Africa will create a safe, efficient, sustainable, and economical air transport sector that generates growth, creates jobs, facilitates international trade and tourism, and supports achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals through global connectivity.
The signing of this agreement is a great example for airports across the African continent to follow, said Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President, Africa and the Middle East.
“Global standards, such as IGOM and ISAGO are the foundation for a safe aviation industry. The commitment of Afroport Mauritanie to IGOM and ISAGO will help further Mauritania’s social and economic development with safer ground operations. Lower adoption rates for global standards rank high among the factors limiting the benefits that aviation could deliver in Africa. This agreement is a great example for airports across the African continent to follow,” said Alawadhi.
Ahmed Al Hadabi, Group CEO of Terminals Holding, the parent company of Afroport Mauritanie the operator of Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport, said, “our goal in partnership is to support the development of a strong aviation sector with global standards and best practices at its heart. The agreement with IATA is a significant step towards achieving standardized, sustainable operations on the ground.”
The commitment of Afroport Mauritanie to IGOM and ISAGO will help further Mauritania’s social and economic development with safer ground operations, he added.
This partnership between IATA and Afroport Mauritanie underscores the importance of implementing global standards in the aviation industry. With the support of industry players and government entities, a strong aviation sector can be established, leading to greater social and economic benefits for Africa.
