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Arik Air has become the latest African airline to be listed on the International Air Transport Association (IATA) ground operations manual (IGOM) registry.

IGOM registry displays companies who were able to demonstrate full compliance with the IGOM procedures.

The IGOM certificate was presented to Arik Air earlier in the month by Albakri Mohammad Ali, IATA’s regional vice-president, Africa and Middle East, at Arik Air Aviation Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.

The IATA ground operations manual concept was initiated by IATA for the industry with the objective of having one internationally recognized standard for ground handling processes.

IGOM defines ground handling standards for airlines and ground service providers to ensure ground operations activities are safely, efficiently, and consistently accomplished. Procedures reflect the minimum standards as identified by the aviation industry.

Arik CEO receiving the certification in Lagos, Nigeria

Ground Operations are an essential task for all airlines and ground service providers to deliver smooth turnarounds and on time departures, with safety being the number one priority.

The IATA Board of Governors has set a target (50% of member airlines in 2016) to start to implement the IATA Ground Operation Manual (IGOM) as their minimum standard for ground operations.

Arik Air started the rigorous certification process in 2016, but was only able to achieve this after it regained its place as the largest carrier in west and central Africa — after a well-managed crisis.

Roy Ilegbodu, the airline’s chief executive officer, said of the team at Arik is delighted with the new IGOM feat.

“We are highly elated to be among the airlines listed on the IGOM registry. This listing shows our commitment to operational efficiency and our customers can always expect excellent travel experience from Arik Air,” he said.

Arik Air has been a member of IATA since 2011 and has passed the IATA safety operations audit (IOSA) on three occasions leading to the enhanced IOSA.