Shell Aircraft has become the first company to be enrolled in IBAC's new International Standard for Business Aircraft Operators (IS-BAO) Progressive Stage III (PS3) programme, after the scheme was rolled out in Europe.

The PS3 option officially launched last year after the beta leadership team of operators designed and tested the programme over a period of two years. The programme was built by operators for operators that are looking for a way to advance their Stage III safety system, share data and take advantage of opportunities to mentor and share best practices with others. One of the key benefits that comes with PS3 is the one-day progressive auditing process that features a specific credentialed Progressive auditor that is based in the operator's region of the world. The audit is low impact and allows the operator to focus on relevant areas that might have more room for improvement.

As one the first companies ever to use aircraft for business flight operations, the Shell Aircraft flight department's roots can be traced back to 1927. The department consists of pilots, technicians, attendants, dispatch and line personnel. Shell achieved IS-BAO Stage I in 2004 and progressed to Stage III in 2007.

“We are so glad to see this new PS3 concept come together and are excited about integrating it into our department,” comments Stan Medved, director of corporate aviation for Shell Aircraft. “We are delighted to be the first European-based operator to enrol in PS3. Sharing important safety data and spending more time with the progressive auditor will provide more learning opportunities on both sides, leading to a more collaborative environment that will allow us to further strengthen our safety culture. Although the progressive audit is one day annually, we do expect to invest more time with this PS3 programme, but it will be more quality time.”

IBAC director general Kurt Edwards adds: “Stan and the entire Shell team have been outstanding role models for our industry and demonstrate their commitment to continuous improvement in everything they do. Stan currently serves as our IS-BAO standards board chairman, and we commend his leadership in the IS-BAO programme as well as thanking him and his team for being the first European operator to transition to the PS3 programme. We look forward to growing a truly global PS3 community and further enhancing business aviation safety.”

Shell Aircraft operates three Dassault Falcon 8X aircraft based in the Netherlands, and it offsets its emissions using high quality carbon credits.