OMAN AIR CATERING AMONG THE FIRST TO BE AWARDED THE COVETED INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION (ISO) 22000 CERTIFICATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND GULF REGION FOR THE SCOPE “MANAGEMENT OF CATERING SERVICES”
The Catering Business Unit of Oman Air at Muscat International Airport has achieved another milestone by being the first airline caterer within the Middle East and Gulf Region to be awarded the prestigious certification in Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), a Food Safety Management System ISO 22000.
Ms. Sumaya Al Busaidy, Senior Manager Catering, Oman Air said that Food Safety being a global concern, Oman Air Catering Management has given full commitment in assuring its customers that food safety is a top priority. They have engaged in implementing the requirements of ISO 22000 by involving its employees through training and providing management support to ensure that the set quality, food safety objectives, & targets are achieved within the agreed time frame.
According to Al Busaidy, Oman Air Catering has over the years undergone several successful hygiene and food safety audits from various international airlines including Medina Audits, which is recognized by IATA, adding that major international carriers appoint Medina Audits to assess the level of food safety culture and practices by caterers, within specified food safety guidelines. The input from customers and internal audits Al Busaidy clarified have enhanced, and strengthened the Food Safety processes, furthermore played a crucial role towards the integration of Food Safety Management System requirements.
Senior Manager Catering of Oman Air stated that The Catering Business Unit management and employees take pride in the award, especially as it coincides with the current excitement in the growth and development plans of Oman Air, which is undertaking significant steps forward to expand its fleet and network to the international market, as a competitive and renowned airline.
The Catering Business Unit she acknowledged is at the centre of all the catering activities for Oman Air.
Corporate Communications and Media of Oman Air informed that Oman Air Catering Unit is designed to cater for 15,000 meals per day, its current clients include, KLM, Jet Airways, Thai Airways, Air Lanka, Royal Jordanian, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Etihad, Emirates, Martin Air, Travel Services, Lauda Air, NETJETS, Royal Flight, Royal Air Force, also caters to chartered flights and various VIP flights. The work force comprises of over 600 staff both local and expatriates, their professional contribution plays a big part towards enforcing standards and meeting customer requirements. They said that the entire team at Oman Air Catering Business Unit has demonstrated commitment and compliance to international standards and good catering practices. Currently, the department is certified with ISO 9001:2000 on Quality Management System. Corporate Communications and Media of Oman Air acknowledged that the award of the ISO 22000:2005 Food Safety Management certification, is a true reflection of the organization’s commitment to continuous improvement with the aim of enhancing customer satisfaction and to further strengthen the organization’s capabilities towards food safety.
