The International Business Aviation Council’s (IBAC) International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) programme has been recognised in the Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) for 2026-2028, which was approved by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) council last month.

It is the first time IS-BAH has been included in the GASP as an ICAO-recognised industry evaluation programme and it is the only ground-handling standard listed for business aviation. IS-BAH now joins IS-BAO in achieving this global distinction.

IBAC's IS‑BAH programme launched in 2014 to enhance the safety and efficiency of business and general aviation Ground Handling Service Providers (GHSPs) worldwide. The programme is built around a progressive Safety Management System that is scalable to suit the size and structure of different ground handling service provider organisations.

Kurt Edwards, director general of IBAC, adds: “We are proud to announce that both IS-BAO and now IS-BAH safety standards have gained distinct recognition from the ICAO council in the new GASP. This achievement is a result of the hard work of Terry Yeomans and the entire IBAC staff, along with our dedicated IS-BAH auditors and support affiliates. We particularly appreciate the growing community of IS-BAH registered ground handlers, who have voluntarily demonstrated their commitment to safety excellence in business aviation, both on the ground and in the air.”