Air Transat, Canada's leading holiday travel airline and a subsidiary of Transat A.T. Inc., was confirmed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as an IOSA-registered operator at a ceremony held today in Madrid. IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) registration caps 18 months of intense preparation work and process enhancement by the airline, followed by a comprehensive audit performed by IATA-accredited Simat, Helliesen & Eichner, Inc. (SH&E).

IOSA provides a standardized audit program for airlines' operational management and control systems, based on internationally recognized standards and supported by a rigorous quality assurance process, that aims at improving operations and safety in the airline industry. The IOSA program was launched by IATA in 2003. It comprises more than 900 stringent standards that contribute to airline operational safety in the areas of management, flight operations, operational control, aircraft engineering and maintenance, cabin operations, ground handling, cargo operations and operational security. IOSA registration means an airline meets all IOSA standards and confirms its commitment to delivering a safe operation.
 
"We are extremely proud to become a member of the select group of IOSA-registered airlines," said Allen B. Graham, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Transat. "Safety is our way of life, and this culminates years of successful efforts by the whole Air Transat team to become an international benchmark in safety management. This is testimony to the excellence and solidity of the control systems we have put in place over the years."

In 2008, Air Transat employs approximately 300 pilots, more than 1,200 flight attendants, nearly 300 technicians and specialists, plus 350 office personnel. The airline has operated close to 13,000 flights in 2007, from gateways across Canada. This coming summer, Air Transat will have 63 direct city-pair routes between Canada and 28 European cities, more than any carrier. 

About Air Transat
Air Transat is Canada’s leading holiday travel airline. It carries close to 3 million passengers annually to nearly 60 destinations in 25 countries. Air Transat has a fleet of 17 Airbus A330s and A310s. The company employs more than 2,000 people. Air Transat is a subsidiary of Transat A.T. Inc., an integrated international tour operator with more than 60 destination countries and that distributes products in over 50 countries.