From February 6th to 9th, 2024, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Safety Management Panel eighteen working group meeting convened at the Brussels Eurocontrol venue. This gathering served as a pivotal moment for aviation safety stakeholders to collaborate, deliberate, and strategize on enhancing safety management measures within the global aviation community. One of the key focal points of the agenda was to discuss updates and proposals concerning Annex 19 – Safety Management, as well as the status of Safety Management Manuel.
The panel commenced with a comprehensive overview provided by the secretariat, offering insights into the current status of Annex 19 – Safety Management. Participants engaged in an in-depth discussion concerning Amendment 2 edition 2 proposals, emphasizing the importance of aligning safety management practices with evolving industry standards and regulatory requirements. Through a that session, attendees gained valuable updates on the progress made and the challenges encountered in implementing safety management frameworks worldwide.
Delving deeper into the core of the agenda, delegates dedicated significant time to review and deliberate on the Amendment 2 proposals pertaining to Annex 19 – Safety Management. With safety being paramount in aviation operations, the discussions revolved around refining existing protocols, introducing innovative strategies, and addressing emerging safety concerns. The panelists exchanged best practices, shared case studies, and deliberated on ways to enhance collaboration among aviation stakeholders to ensure a proactive approach towards safety management.
In line with the overarching objective of advancing safety management practices, the meeting split in to 5 Subgroups respectively SSP, SMS, Safety Management Process, Safety intelligence and safety Risk management to assess the status of safety management guidance material, the Doc 9859 — SMM, 5th edition. Participants emphasized the need for robust guidance material that is adaptable to the diverse operational contexts within the aviation sector. Through collaborative efforts, the SMP members reviewed existing guidelines, identified areas for improvement, and proposed measures to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of safety management processes and resources. Furthermore, discussions cantered on fostering a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing to empower aviation professionals with the necessary tools and insights to mitigate safety risks effectively.
The ACAO safety Expert, participated as member of the ICAO SMP in the 8th working group meeting and provided comments and SME opinion on the current challenges as merging SSPIA with USOAP and integration of resilience-based approach as new area under the activities of that panel.
The ICAO Safety Management Panel conducted at the Brussels Eurocontrol venue from February 6th to 9th, 2024, underscored the collective commitment of the global aviation community towards advancing safety management practices. Through constructive dialogues, informed deliberations, and strategic planning. As aviation continues to evolve, initiatives such as these play a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity and resilience of the global air transportation system, ensuring that safety remains paramount in every aspect of aviation operations.