QBE Australia is the first insurer to join the Basic Aviation Risk Standard (BARS) flight safety program.

National Aviation Manager Julian Fraser signed a BARS member organisation agreement with Flight Safety Foundation CEO Jon Beatty last week.

The foundation is an international industry body based in the US that provides independent safety advice, guidance and resources to the aviation sector.

Mr Fraser told insuranceNEWS.com.au becoming a member organisation allows QBE to assess aviation operators’ risks “more accurately from both a local and multinational perspective”.

“The BARS program is all about giving member organisations the ability to assess operators’ risks more effectively against the BAR Standard, which is a leading global aviation safety assessment,” he said.

“For our customers, it enables them to demonstrate a level of aviation safety management that gives them a marketable advantage in developing relationships with leading corporate, resources and non-profit organisations, while enjoying the benefits of a strong partnership with us.”

BARS MD David Anderson says the partnership gives QBE access to the foundation’s substantial range of technical programs and expertise.

“The identification, assessment and management of risk are core to safe aviation operations,” he said.