ICAO launches new safety management website

In anticipation of the significant growth of global air transport over the coming decades, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has announced the launch of a new website supporting improved aviation safety worldwide.

The new ICAO Safety Management site will assist State regulators in the implementation of Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) of ICAO’s new Annex 19 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention). Annex 19 consolidates safety management provisions contained in six other ICAO Annexes and will now serve as a practical one-stop resource for States and industry.

It becomes applicable on 14 November 2013 and is the first new ICAO Annex in over 30 years.

“Aviation safety is today as good as it has ever been, with 2012 recognized as the safest year in the history of commercial aviation,” began ICAO Secretary General, Raymond Benjamin. “But, with the projected doubling of air traffic by 2030, it became imperative that ICAO adopt a comprehensive safety management framework to maintain and improve upon our sector’s remarkable safety performance.”

The new Annex complements existing ICAO safety-related programmes and activities, including the recently-revised Global Aviation Safety Plan and ICAO’s safety management training offerings. Particular emphasis will be placed on promoting the safety management approach through the network of Regional Aviation Safety Groups around the world.

Additional information on Annex 19 can be found at: www.icao.int/safetymanagement.