Blue Air has become a full member of the International Air Transport Association.

This milestone was achieved following the recent IATA Operational Safety Assessment, a complex audit that assessed more than 900 standards and best practices for flight safety.

The test covers everything from flight operations, operational control and flight dispatch, to aircraft engineering and maintenance.

IATA is the most prestigious aviation body in the world, with membership of more than 260 international Airlines worldwide and presence in over 119 countries.

Its main priorities include reducing costs to the industry, developing new technical standards to facilitate innovation in distribution, improving global safety, driving industry change, training and operational standardisation.

Gheorghe Racaru, general manager Blue Air, said: “Joining IATA is a significant and historical step for the company, opening new doors for partnerships with other airlines, members of the association, in order to provide our passengers a wider route network and, as always, the best prices.”