Long Island, New York-based private jet charter provider ExcelAire is the latest aircraft operator to receive Stage III registration under the International Business Aviation Council’s (IBAC) International Standard for Business Aviation Operations (IS-BAO). The program, launched in 2002, is a voluntary set of industry best practices that embraces the safety management system (SMS) culture. Companies must successfully pass audits to advance through the program.

“Our commitment to the highest safety and performance standards provides our customers the kind of assurance and peace of mind afforded by only the finest operators,” said ExcelAire president Rob Sherry, noting the company maintains its ARG/US Platinum and Wyvern Wingman status and is also working to join the FAA’s SMS Voluntary program, which would grant the agency oversight over the carrier’s SMS protocol, adding another level of supervision to its safety program.

Presently there are 720 operators enrolled in the IS-BAO program worldwide, with Stage III the highest level in the program, but according to Bennet Walsh, IBAC’s IS-BAO program director, the organization is now beta testing a new progressive Stage III option designed by a select group of 15 Stage III operators.