ExecuJet Aviation Group and TAG Aviation have received the International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) accreditation for their respective FBOs in Zurich and London. ExecuJet's is the first FBO in Switzerland and the companies are two of just a handful in Europe to hold the certificate.

The IS-BAH is a global code of best practices for business aviation ground handlers assessed through a safety management system, which recognises that FBOs need to plan and conduct operations in a standardised manner. It was launched by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) in July 2014.

Basil Gamper, ExecuJet's Zurich FBO manager, says: “We are delighted our Zurich FBO has passed the IS-BAH audit, which not only shows the quality of our support services but also our commitment to using the most comprehensive assessments available across the board. This market-leading and standardised measure for handlers, FBOs and operators worldwide is a programme we strongly believe in and one we will be implementing in all our FBOs.”

Roger Walker, director airport operations at TAG Farnborough Airport, adds: “We are pleased to work with IBAC and to have achieved IS-BAH accreditation. This voluntary certification demonstrates our commitment to upholding the highest safety standards and maintaining our position as Europe's leading business aviation airport.”

IS-BAH follows the long established structure of the IS-BAO programme, used by operator clients, and is a joint programme between IBAC and NATA. It incorporates the NATA Safety 1st ground audit programme and is assessed externally by an IBAC-accredited auditor, who recognises conformity to standards.