Stuttgart airport-headquartered DC Aviation recently passed the IS-BAO registration audit. This audit is based on ICAO standards and is the recommended code of practice for flight departments that operate both domestic and international flights.

IS-BAO registration is designed to enable flight departments to establish a framework for effective safety and operational best practices while aligning with specific international business aircraft operations. DC Aviation Group CEO Michael Kuhn says: “We are extremely proud of this milestone. It shows the superior level of safety awareness within our company and the seasoned skill set of our entire team.”

The IS-BAO audit includes setting up and following a safety management system (SMS), along with auditing of the organisation's procedures and paperwork with regard to personnel, standard operating procedures, training programmes, flight operations, operations in international airspace, aircraft equipment, aircraft maintenance, company operations manuals, emergency response plan, environmental management, occupational health and safety, transportation of dangerous goods and security issues.

DC Aviation is a safety-centric operator with an unblemished safety record. It received the 2018 EBAA Diamond Award of Merit for surpassing 100,000 hours of safe flying, and is one of just a small group of operators ever to receive this award. The company emerged in 2007 from the former DaimlerChrysler Aviation and has branches in Dubai, Zurich, Malta, Moscow and Paris. During its 20-year corporate history it has acquired comprehensive experience in aircraft management and today offers a complete portfolio ranging from aircraft management through aircraft charter to the maintenance of business jets and handling services. Its fleet includes the Cessna Citation XLS+, long distance jets like the Gulfstream G650 and large-cabin jets like the Airbus 319 CJ. In March 2016, DC Aviation expanded its operating license to include the commercial use of helicopters.