Safety Management
Given the increasing complexity of the global air transportation system and its interrelated aviation activities required to assure the safe operation of aircraft, ICAO supports the continued evolution of a proactive strategy to improve safety performance. The foundation of this proactive safety strategy is based on the implementation of a State safety programme (SSP) that systematically addresses safety risks.
Latest News
The 1st edition of the Safety Intelligence Manual (Doc 10159) is available in the ICAO eLibrary and ICAO-NET in English. It contains guidance on the collection, processing and analysis of safety data and safety information to support the development of safety intelligence, as well as content related to the sharing and exchange of safety information and safety intelligence. The finalized version in all ICAO languages is expected to be posted by end of October.
Amendment 2 to Annex 19 – Safety Management, was adopted by the Council on 23 June 2025 and SL-AN 25/64 was issued on 18 July 2025. It is expected to be effective on 4 November 2025 and applicable on 26 November 2026.
Global Plans |
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 | Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) The Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) sets out a continuous improvement strategy for States to implement through the establishment of core, and then more advanced, aviation safety management elements to enable the continued development of the aviation system of the future.
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Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP)
To ensure that continuous safety improvement and air navigation modernization continue to advance hand-in-hand, ICAO has developed a strategic approach linking progress in both areas. Additionally, the more efficient air routes, facilitated by performance-based procedures and advanced avionics, serve to significantly reduce aviation emissions – a key factor supporting today's more fuel-efficient, modern aircraft as aviation pursues its commitment to reduce its environmental impact. The sixth edition of the ICAO Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP) presents all States with a comprehensive planning tool that supports a harmonized global Air Navigation system.
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Standardization |
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| SARPS The uniform implementation of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) is a fundamental tenet of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (the Chicago Convention) and forms the foundation of a safe global aviation system. The safety management SARPs are intended to assist States in managing aviation safety risks, in coordination with their aviation service providers. The safety management provisions support the continued evolution of a proactive strategy to improve safety performance. The foundation of this proactive safety strategy is based on the implementation of a State safety programme (SSP) that systematically addresses safety risks.
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Implementation |
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| Guidance material ICAO provides guidance material to support the interpretation and implementation of the established Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) related to State safety programmes (SSP) and safety management systems (SMS) for service providers.
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Examples and Best Practices
The 4th edition of the Safety Management Manual (SMM) (Doc 9859) contains two parts; the first part is an ICAO Manual related to safety management fundamentals and concepts which will be complemented by an enhanced website with examples and best practices to support SSP and SMS implementation by States and service providers, respectively, as well as to support the use of proactive approaches for the management of safety.
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| Symposiums and Workshops Seven Safety Management Capacity Building Workshops were delivered in 2019 to provide an opportunity for States to develop their capacity to effectively implement and operate a State Safety Programme.
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| Training The Safety Management Training Programme (SMTP) has been updated to reflect Amendment 1 to Annex 19 and uses a blended training approach combining e-learning and a hands on practitioner’s course.
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 | Tools The implementation of SSP and SMS can be supported by the use of tools that can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of safety management activities.
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Monitoring and Reporting |
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| Regional Aviation Safety Groups (RASGs) RASGs were established to improve global civil aviation safety and efficiency by applying the ICAO Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) principles through a collaborative and coordinated approach in partnership with all aviation stakeholders under the leadership of ICAO. RASGs serve as ICAO's focal points to promote the reduction of aviation safety risks through the involvement of all aviation safety stakeholders and the harmonization and coordination of efforts aimed at mitigating safety risks and promoting implementation of regional safety initiatives.
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The ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) was established in 1999 to promote global aviation safety through regular audits of ICAO Member States to determine their ability to maintain effectively their safety oversight systems. This determination is made by assessing the effective implementation of the critical elements of a safety oversight system and the status of States' implementation of safety-related ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), associated procedures, guidance material and safety-related practices.
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Safety Promotion |
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| Promotional Videos Promotional videos promote the implementation of safety management.
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ICAO References |
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| ICAO Annexes, Documents and other publications
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