Angolan operator Bestfly has achieved International Standard for Business Aviation Operators (IS-BAO) Stage II. This is the first time an Angolan business aviation company has been awarded the status, which is designed to help flight departments and operators achieve a high level of safety and professionalism. It also makes Bestfly one of the very few companies in Africa to achieve the standard.

The Stage II audit assessed the maturity of Bestfly's safety management system (SMS), and the subsequent certification confirms Bestfly is implementing high levels of operational safety, and mitigating risk by adhering to a robust SMS. The company was awarded Stage I in May 2017.

“The certification demonstrates our continued commitment to safety and professionalism and is a credit to all our employees,“ says CEO Nuno Pereira. “It also gives our international clients and partners confidence in our operating capabilities. We want customers to automatically associate Bestfly with best-in-class operations and to choose us when travelling in Angola. The Stage II accreditation gives them the assurance that we operate to the same high standards as other leading international business aviation organisations.

“As Angola, and Africa, continues to develop its business aviation sector, we hope that more African companies will be inspired to achieve the IS-BAO accreditation.”

The company has also been certified by the Angolan CAA, and the Aruban Department of Civil Aviation and holds AOCs from each. As well as being audited and approved by leading oil and gas companies, Bestfly holds Third Country Operator approval from EASA, supporting its work operating and assisting foreign-registered aircraft.