The International Air Transport Association (IATA) raised the issues as the World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC) opened yesterday in Xiamen, China.
According to IATA, the priorities are defending and evolving global standards, fostering a strong safety culture through leadership and using data to enhance performance amid growing operational challenges.
“The environment in which airlines operate has grown even more complex as conflicts and regulatory fragmentation have proliferated,” said Mark Searle, Global Director Safety, IATA.
“As a result, we have seen airspace closures, drone incursions and rising global navigation satellite system (GNNS) interference disrupt connectivity, undermine confidence and threaten safety.
“Ensuring aviation remains the safest mode of transport requires strong leadership, robust adherence to global standards and smarter use of data.”
On the subject of improving industry safety performance, IATA highlighted its work on addressing increased interference with the GNNS, protecting aviation’s Radio Spectrum (essential for navigation) and timely accident investigation reporting.
Areas where data is making a difference include IATA’s Turbulence Aware platform, which shares data in real-time, enabling pilots and dispatchers to mitigate the risks stemming from inflight turbulence.
Participation in the platform grew 25% over the past year, with 3,200 aircraft including Air France, Etihad and SAS now sharing real-time turbulence data to enhance flight safety and efficiency.
To ensure strong safety leadership, IATA has implemented two key initiatives:
- Safety Leadership Charter: Promoting eight core principles of safety leadership, the Charter now covers around 90% of global traffic, strengthening a culture built on leadership, global standards, and data.
- IATA Connect: Bringing together 5,600 users from more than 600 organisations, IATA Connect enables access to IOSA documentation, the Safety Issue Hub and Safety Connect, and will soon expand to include ISAGO users.
“By focusing on these – industry and government together – we will build a safer, more resilient and increasingly efficient global aviation system that can manage today’s risks and is prepared for those of tomorrow,” added Mr Searle.
