Tata Group-owned low-cost carrier Air India Express, which is also a subsidiary of Air India, said on Wednesday that it has officially become a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

According to Sheldon Hee, IATA’s regional vice president for Asia Pacific, Air India Express has been on the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) since 2017. “Having Air India Express as a member broadens the perspectives that we can bring to the global issues affecting our industry,” he added.

An IATA membership allows Air India Express to actively participate in the IATA Billing and Settlement Plans (BSP) around the world, extending the global reach of the airline through IATA-accredited travel agents.  

IndiGo, SpiceJet, and fellow Tata Group-owned Air India—which is also the flag carrier of India—are also members of the IATA. A prerequisite for IATA membership is the IOSA, which is the global industry standard for airline operational safety auditing. Airlines have to comply with over 900 standards to achieve their IOSA registration.

Aloke Singh, managing director, Air India Express, said that as the airline continues to grow its footprint, IATA membership is an additional step taken by Air India Express to ensure that the highest standards of reliability, safety, and convenience support every journey.

IATA is an airline trade association which was founded in 1945. IATA represents some 350 airlines from more than 120 countries, accounting for over 80% of global air traffic. For travellers, an IATA membership enables participation in shaping standards and policies that improve the travel experience, resulting in a smoother and more reliable experience worldwide.

In June, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) summoned the executives of Air India and Air India Express, amid the probe investigating the crash of Air India Flight 171 and the disruptions on its flight network. DGCA summoned the executives in a virtual meeting that DG Fazi Ahmed Kidwai chaired. Among those who were summoned were Aloke Singh, along with other key management personnel who were responsible for maintaining operations and safety compliance.