Thomas Anderton’s Post

This week's blog discusses Safety & Compliance and the advantages airlines could gain by outsourcing some or all of this particular function to a specialist and experienced provider... If you are working for an airline who are considering outsourcing some or all of the Safety & Compliance function then please do get in touch with me at tomanderton@bostonair.co.uk https://lnkd.in/e5UnZm85

US airlines have spent decades developing and perfecting systems to ensure the safety and trust of citizens and the industry. What can organizations learn from airline safety? Andrew D., Founder and CEO of System Safety, a safety solutions consulting agency, maintains the value and relevance of checklists for every business. These quality assurance lists promote accountability and reduce errors and risks by evaluating and managing processes and workflows. An effective checklist includes a comprehensive and informative title and encourages users to execute systems and perform work correctly rather than through memorization. In this episode of Systems Simplified, I invite Andrew to talk about reducing errors and risks in business processes. Andrew describes the premise of his book, why companies need system safety, and how to measure process effectiveness. #safetystandards #riskmitigation #checklists

360° Monitoring of Airline Ground Operations In the fast-paced world of aviation, the Ground Operations Department of an airline is a hub of activity. This department relies heavily on a variety of outsourced services to keep flights running on time and to ensure passenger satisfaction. These services include Passenger Services, Turnaround Coordination, Loading/Unloading Services, Fueling, Deicing, Cargo, Ticket Sales, and Representative Services. To comply with different standards and regulations, outsourced services must undergo audits as prescribed by regulations. Auditing all service providers across the network is a massive undertaking and requires a significant number of audits each year. Although this is a significant undertaking, airlines gain from participating in #IATA programs such as the IATA De-Icing/Anti-Icing Quality Control Pool (#DAQCP), IATA Fuel Quality Pool (#IFQP), and IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (#ISAGO). These programs not only assist in reducing the overall number of audits but also facilitate the dissemination of expertise through the audit reports of professional auditors. Integrating the results of the IATA audits into the company’s monitoring system is crucial for managing operational risks and addressing discrepancies in operations.

Enhancing Airline Safety and Security Through Continuous Training and Audits In the ever-evolving landscape of aviation, the safety and security of passengers and crew remain paramount. One of the most effective ways to uphold and elevate these standards is through continuous training, regular reminders, and rigorous on-the-job audits. 1. Continuous Training Aviation professionals face numerous challenges daily, from navigating complex air traffic to ensuring the mechanical integrity of aircraft. Continuous training ensures that all personnel, from pilots to ground crew, stay current with the latest protocols, technologies, and best practices. This ongoing education helps mitigate risks, address emerging threats, and foster a culture of excellence and vigilance. 2. Regular Reminders In a field where the smallest oversight can lead to significant consequences, regular reminders play a crucial role. These reminders, whether through briefings, workshops, or digital communications, help reinforce essential safety protocols and operational procedures. Keeping these critical points top of mind helps maintain high standards of safety and operational efficiency. 3. On-the-Job Audits Audits are not merely compliance exercises; they are opportunities for improvement. On-the-job audits provide a real-time assessment of how well safety protocols are being followed and where there might be gaps. These audits encourage accountability, identify areas for enhancement, and promote a proactive approach to safety management. By regularly evaluating and refining procedures, airlines can prevent incidents before they occur and continuously improve their safety practices. Conclusion The aviation industry’s commitment to safety and security is unwavering. By investing in continuous training, reinforcing knowledge through regular reminders, and conducting thorough on-the-job audits, airlines can significantly enhance their safety and security measures. This multi-faceted approach not only protects lives but also strengthens trust in the aviation industry, ensuring that every flight is as safe and secure as possible. Let’s continue to prioritize and invest in these essential practices to keep the skies safe for everyone. #AviationSafety #ContinuousTraining #SafetyAudits #AirlineSecurity #AviationExcellence

EU Cracks Down on Denmark and Cyprus Over Air Safety Violations: Legal Action Looms https://ift.tt/cadYPqL The European Commission launched infringement procedures against Denmark and Cyprus, issuing formal notices to both nations for inaccuracies in implementing specific EU aviation safety legislation provisions. Infringement procedures conducted by the European Commission are formal actions taken against EU member states for violating EU law, involving a structured process of notices, opinions, and potential court referrals to ensure compliance. For Denmark, the European Commission found shortcomings in adhering to aviation safety regulations. The issues include not having well-qualified staff, non-compliance with oversight procedures, and improper acceptance and approval of aviation company manuals, all of which contravene Regulations (EU) No 1321/2014 and (EU) No 748/2012. In the case of Cyprus, identified flaws relate to various aspects of airport supervision, outlined in Regulations (EU) No 139/2014 and (EU) 923/2012, including confirming airport-related obligations and evaluating the sufficiency of Cyprus’s safety management system. Both Denmark and Cyprus will face a two-month deadline to address the concerns presented by the Commission and enact the requisite measures. Failure to comply within this timeframe may prompt the Commission to consider issuing a reasoned opinion, the next formal step in the infringement process. A reasoned opinion provides a detailed explanation of the alleged breaches and offers the countries an additional opportunity to rectify the issues before further legal action is pursued. Air travel, deemed one of the safest modes of transportation, is assured by the EU to provide European citizens with the utmost safety standards in the skies. The foundation of the European aviation safety system rests upon a framework of standardised safety regulations jointly supervised by the European Commission, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and National Aviation Authorities. These regulations are applicable across all EU Member States, encompassing crucial facets of aviation, including airworthiness, aircrew, aerodromes, air operations, and the provision of air navigation services. The EU’s aviation safety management strategy is grounded on occurrence reporting, which involves documenting, analysing, and addressing safety-related events in civil aviation. Standardised accident investigation rules are also in place to prevent the recurrence of safety issues. In the realm of EU aviation, the Air Safety List restricts unsafe third-country air carriers, ensuring compliance with international safety standards, with oversight conducted by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The EU’s commitment to aviation safety extends globally through collaborations with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), technical cooperation projects, and bilateral agreements with ...

Recent allegations of safety violations by Air Peace at Gatwick Airport have generated considerable media attention and concern. The reports, citing issues raised by safety inspectors from the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (UKCAA), suggest potential lapses in the airline's adherence to international safety standards. However, it is imperative to approach these claims with a comprehensive understanding of the situation and the context provided by the Nigerian aviation authorities. Air Peace, as Nigeria's designated flag carrier on the London route, operates with the full backing and support of the FG. This endorsement underscores the airline's significance not just as a private entity, but as a representative of the nation’s aviation capabilities on the global stage. In light of the allegations, the FG, through the Ministry of Aviation, has responded with clarity and confidence. According to a press statement by Keyamo, the issues raised by the UKCAA have been carefully investigated and addressed by Air Peace. The Acting D.G. of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has provided assurances that all raised concerns were resolved to the satisfaction of the UK authorities. This prompt and effective resolution is a testament to the airline's commitment to maintaining high safety standards. The FG’s unequivocal support for Air Peace is rooted in its broader strategy to bolster the nation's aviation sector. By standing firmly behind its flag carriers, the government aims to ensure these airlines can operate successfully and safely on international routes. This support is not merely rhetorical; it involves practical assistance and cooperation to help Nigerian airlines achieve and sustain world-class operational excellence. Air Peace’s swift response to the UKCAA's concerns illustrates the airline's proactive approach to safety and compliance. It is essential to recognize that airlines globally face scrutiny and occasional issues, which are part of the rigorous oversight mechanisms in place to ensure passenger safety. What distinguishes responsible airlines is their ability to address and rectify such issues promptly, as Air Peace has demonstrated. FG’s reassurance highlights a broader narrative about the resilience and capability of Nigerian aviation. It is a call to view Nigerian airlines through the lens of their overall performance and contribution to connecting Nigeria with the world, rather than isolated incidents which, though important, do not define their entirety. While safety in aviation is paramount and non-negotiable, it is equally important to maintain a balanced perspective. Air Peace, backed by the FG, has shown its capacity to uphold safety standards and swiftly address any concerns that arise. As stakeholders in Nigeria's aviation sector, we must continue to support our airlines in their pursuit of operational excellence and ensure they are judged fairly and comprehensively on their merits and achievements.

As a crisis communications professional, I commend United Airlines for the recent statement issued by CEO Scott Kirby, which acknowledges the safety concerns the airline has encountered as of late. I travel regularly for work, and you know my airline of choice? United 🛫 Why? Because they actually treat me like a human being. There are many airlines available, lots of them with cheaper airfares, but as a Mileage Plus member, United has treated me with respect each time I fly. This means I am willing to pay a little bit more for my ticket and remain a loyal customer. My personal reasoning for this loyalty? In an era marked by diminished customer service standards, the value of respectful consideration from a business cannot be overstated. It compels me to prioritize their service, even if it comes at a higher cost. Amid prevalent trends such as #jobghosting, reliance on robo-customer service lines (I really hate those), AI chat-bots, automated rejection emails, and virtual everything, I appreciate a business that engages with me during good times and bad. United did that. This statement might not be perfect, and it might not solve the equipment problems at hand, but at least it acknowledges that there is a problem and that they are working to find solutions to keep passengers safer when flying. You can disagree with me - that's okay! I just applaud the fact that United is following the Crisis Communications playbook and is responding to the situation instead of ignoring it and hoping it will go away. #unitedairlines #crisiscommunication #brandloyalty #stakeholderengagement

Airlines deliver air travel services, these services are associated with safety risks depending on the nature and dynamics of the operations, its scope, and the operating environment, etc. Therefore, airlines need to maintain profitability to stay in business (continuity) while maintaining their competitive position by striking a balance between allocating resources to “production” and allocating resources to “protection (safety).” Continue reading. >> ✈ Download this article in Arabic (Pdf) from the article page #aviation #airlines #safetymanagement #safetymanagementsystems

Why is ULD management such a hassle for airlines? Since ULDs are a cornerstone of efficiency and safety in the air cargo industry, we can never overlook the challenges they face. What makes it more complicated is the need to meet various factors such as safety, cost-effectiveness, and recently, sustainability. Here are two tips to improve your ULD management: 1. Provide proper training for staff on ULDs: With constant regulatory changes, training ensures understanding of ULD airworthiness, correct handling, and inspection to prevent accidents and damage. Proper training improves efficiency during loading and unloading and meets industry standards. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) emphasizes comprehensive ULD training in their regulations. 2. Find the right technology and ensure full visibility: One main challenge airlines often face is the imbalance in ULD stock levels due to flight changes. Investing in the right solution to regularly assess stock levels and adjust ULD distribution is essential for smooth operations, preventing overstocking and shortages. Improving asset utilization, reducing CAPEX, and mitigating operational risks are key objectives for airlines. Full visibility provides accurate data for better decision-making and planning. Did you know, that real-time monitoring of ULD movement can increase efficiency by 20%-30%? Real-time ULD tracking addresses ULD losses by ground handling partners or customers, ensuring seamless cargo movement. Effective ULD management is critical for flight safety, operational efficiency, and the bottom line. As the air cargo industry grows, the importance of ULD management will only increase, making it an essential skill for any air cargo professional. Ready to optimize your ULD management? Contact us today to learn more! https://lnkd.in/eqkBDCby #aircargo #ULD #supplychain #Airlines #monitoring

CAAC Updated CCAR Part 129 (CCAR-129) (Part 1) On June 4, 2024, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) updated the CCAR Part 129. The standard format of the <CCAR-129 Operating Regulations> AC-129-FS-2016-001-R1 issued on October 25, 2016 has been rescinded. The new CCAR Part 129 currently only has a Chinese version, and the English version has not yet been announced. At the same time, CAAC also released the new "Procedures for the Management of Evaluation of Foreign Public Air Transport Carriers" on June 4, 2024. Similarly, only the Chinese version is available at the moment. Simple explanation of the new CCAR-129: After the signing of the civil aviation transportation agreement between the governments of China and the foreign country, the foreign air carriers designated by their respective national aviation authorities can operate the agreed flights. For foreign air carriers to conduct such operations within China, they must first obtain the operating license stipulated in CCAR-287, and then obtain the corresponding operating approval in accordance with CCAR-129. The approval of foreign air carriers is also a common management approach adopted by the aviation authorities of various countries around the world. For the regular operations of foreign air carriers, the regional administration bureaus carry out operational qualification verification and approve them by issuing operation specifications in accordance with CCAR-129; for non-regular operations, the Flight Standards Department adopts a simplified procedure based on Article 129.9 of CCAR-129. The CAAC's operational qualification verification and issuance of operation specifications for foreign air carriers under CCAR-129 are mainly based on the recognition that their operations have been approved by the aviation authorities of their home countries, and they can safely operate within China, rather than transferring the safety management responsibilities of the aviation authorities of their home countries. In addition to the approvals stipulated in CCAR-129, foreign air carriers operating within China also need to continuously comply with the standards in the fields of airports, security, emergency, dangerous goods, and other laws and regulations. Therefore, the administrative license issued in accordance with CCAR-129 only represents that the foreign air carrier meets the verification requirements related to operational safety. During the operation based on the license, the foreign air carrier has the obligation to maintain compliance with the relevant laws and regulations, as well as the validity of related agreements and qualifications. #China #CAAC #CCAR #129 #287 #Foreign #Airlines #Carrier #Application #Civil #Aviation #Airport #Schedule #Flight #Charter #launch #ICAO #IATA #FSOP #ONLINE #FLEETS #AIRCRAFT #ACAS #GPWS #CVR #FDR #Operation #Specification