The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) today announced that it has achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification after a thorough analysis of its quality management system by Bureau Veritas, an independent accredited certification body.
In achieving ISO 9001:2008 certification, AFRAA has demonstrated its ability to deliver a well-defined quality management system that complies with the most stringent international standards.
In addition, attainment of ISO 9001:2008 by AFRAA highlights its commitment to continually improve its operational performance and underscores its ability to meet customer needs while at the same time motivating and further engaging its employees with more efficient internal processes.
Established by the International Organization for Standardization, ISO 9001:2008 is a set of standards related to quality management systems designed to enable organizations to ensure they meet the needs of customers and other stakeholders, while complying with statutory and regulatory requirements.
Secretary General of AFRAA, Dr. Elijah Chingosho, in a statement to woleshadare.com stated that as the world’s most recognisable quality management standard, the ISO 9001 standard helps organisations increase the efficiency of their operations, realize cost savings and continually improve the quality of their products and services.
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He explained that the journey towards achieving ISO 9001:2008 certification commenced in September 2014, adding that the secretariat documented its procedures and processes as per the ISO standards and completed all the mandatory audits which were carried out by Bureau Veritas who ascertained that AFRAA demonstrated commitment to quality management systems principles and clear understanding of the ISO 9001 requirements.
“AFRAA staff also underwent rigorous training and currently the Secretariat has four in-house lead auditors. With the ISO 9001:2008 achieved, the Secretariat shall embark on the transition to the new ISO 9001:2015 standard.”
According to Chingosho, “Having achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification, we are able to validate the quality of the operational processes and the services we deliver to our member airlines and partners.”
“This certification provides a significant differentiator that shows current and prospective customers alike our commitment to complying with the most rigid international standards for quality systems and effective operating procedures.”
Continuous improvement of the Association’s overall performance, he said, is an important principle of this ISO standard, noting that as the industry changes,“we can always revise our processes to maximize efficiencies, giving us the flexibility to react quickly to any opportunities that may arise, in order to better serve our member airlines and partners.”
Presenting the certificate to AFRAA Secretary General, Operations Certification Manager, Bureau Veritas Certification (Kenya), Mr. Sam Kimotho, said that Bureau Veritas was satisfied that the management systems throughout the organization system was in accordance with the ISO 9001:2008 international standard.
“We are very positive that AFRAA will use the newly acquired system status and knowledge as a continual improvement tool for the benefit of its members, partners and other stakeholders,” he concluded.”
The certificate was presented at a colorful ceremony which was held at the AFRAA headquarters in Nairobi – Kenya.
