ACI Media Press Release Archives (2005)
Airports Pursue New Safety Initiatives - 06/12/2005
| Budapest – Delivering the highest safety standards in a high-growth environment is the focus of ACI’s second Global Airport Operations Summit this week. ACI Director General Robert J Aaronson, speaking to the over 160 senior operations delegates from the world’s airports, emphasized new safety enhancement efforts that ACI will initiate in 2006. “Safety remains the highest priority of airport operators – that is why ACI is developing practical, standard solutions for global implementation at airports worldwide. Improved performance, planning and coordination with other agencies are the key objectives.” | |
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ACI has been monitoring apron incidents since the 1980s. Aaronson said, “There is no room for complacency while one in 3000 flights involve some type of ground damage, and this may be underestimated due to incomplete disclosure by airlines and handlers. We need safety management systems and a safety culture in every enterprise – from the top down and from the bottom up.” Aaronson presented three new proposals from ACI to complement their long-standing involvement in joint work with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to ensure ever-increasing safety standards. The first is the establishment over the next 12 months of the ACI Global Safety Network, a web-based safety information network for all airports. This system will provide rapid means of exchanging information between ACI members on accident causes and safety best practices, which in turn will encourage the enhancement of our global aviation safety culture. Two additional proposals for new ACI-run programmes are currently being evaluated: a safety audit programme to help airports to comply with ICAO requirements and certify their safety systems; a risk assessment and hazard analysis programme to assist airports in the development and implementation of tailor-made safety management systems and risk mitigation efforts. “With a network of 1600 members behind us, ACI is taking an active role in disseminating best practices around the globe. Our community of airports wants to identify the problems and work effectively to assure safety. Even airports with the best safety records have much to gain from this collective effort, and together we will meet the challenge of continuing to make safety our highest priority.” Note to editors: Safety issues of concern to airport operators include (not exhaustive): Runway incursions - Wildlife and bird hazard - Airside vehicle control - Airside construction works - Apron safety / ground handling - Handling of hazardous materials - Rescue and fire fighting - Low visibility operations - Adverse weather conditions - Runway condition (FOD, friction) - Runway end safety area | |
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Delivering the highest safety standards in a high-growth environment is the focus of ACI’s second Global Airport Operations Summit this week. ACI Director General Robert J Aaronson, speaking to the over 160 senior operations delegates from the world’s airports, emphasized new safety enhancement efforts that ACI will initiate in 2006. “Safety remains the highest priority of airport operators – that is why ACI is developing practical, standard solutions for global implementation at airports worldwide. Improved performance, planning and coordination with other agencies are the key objectives.”