Award winning Jazeera Airways was inducted into the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as a full airline-member during IATA’s 67th Annual General Meeting that was held in Singapore yesterday, thus becoming the 238th airline-member of the global organization.

Jazeera Airways CEO Stefan Pichler said, “Our induction into IATA comes during a milestone year for Jazeera Airways that included the airline’s return to sustainable profitability for the last three consecutive quarters in-a-row and a continued lead in market share on most of our routes for two years in-a-row. Joining IATA is a privilege that couldn’t have come at a better time and we look forward to experiencing the benefits of joining it.”

“We are pleased to welcome Jazeera Airways to the IATA family. IATA membership is an important mark of quality, starting with aviation’s top priority, safety. Already Jazeera Airways has completed the IATA Operational Safety Audit and is on the registry. As an IATA member, we hope that access to our programs and services will help Jazeera Airways to take advantage of the many opportunities of the rapidly growing Middle East region, particularly in the liberalized environment of Kuwait,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

IATA represents 238 member airlines from over 120 countries who carry 93% of the world’s scheduled international air traffic. The organization provides a powerful, unified and experienced voice to support and promote its member airlines’ operations and aspirations.

As a member, Jazeera Airways will take part in global discussions and vote on issues regarding the development of the commercial aviation industry. Jazeera Airways will also participate in forums and have access to updated studies and indicators. Additionally, Jazeera Airways will have full member voting rights, which provides the company with a voice in setting industry-wide standards that govern airline operations in order to ensure passenger safety. IATA also promotes constructive debate on improving operational efficiency and infrastructure.

Other benefits of joining IATA include getting cheaper access to IATA’s $US300 billion ($287bn) settlement systems, which allow fast and efficient settlement of intra-company payables and receivables.