Mitigating the Unknown: Lessons for Airport Operators from Jeju Air Flight 2216
The tragic crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 has left the aviation world grappling with unanswered questions. Preliminary reports suggest potential contributing factors, including a bird strike, possible hydraulic failure affecting flaps and landing gear, and infrastructure concerns such as a localizer embedded in a concrete wall. While investigations are ongoing and may take years to complete, airport operators worldwide are left wondering: "Could this happen here?"
The answer is an uncomfortable but realistic "Yes."
While airport operators cannot prevent every unforeseen event, there are proactive measures which can be taken to mitigate risks and ensure that facilities are as prepared as possible to handle the unknown. By identifying potential hazards and strengthening processes, airports can build resilience and enhance safety. Below, we offer a practical checklist to guide airport operators in reviewing and reinforcing their safety management strategies.
Preparedness Checklist for Airport Operators
Engage Leadership and Staff
Inform Boards of Directors and Senior Leadership: Do not shy away from speaking openly about the incident. Provide regular updates on safety concerns, risk mitigation efforts, and emergency preparedness.
Train Staff: Ensure all team members understand their roles within the Safety Management System (SMS). Regular training keeps safety culture top of mind. Take the opportunity to conduct a safety talk about the incident, share steps that are being taken and how they as airport workers can contribute to safety.
Review Safety Processes
Audit SMS Procedures: Conduct a comprehensive review of your SMS to ensure it aligns with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
Update Hazard Registers: Evaluate and update hazard registers to include emerging risks.
Conduct Third-Party Safety Reviews
Engage external experts to perform unbiased safety audits. Fresh perspectives often uncover risks that internal teams might miss.
Test Emergency Preparedness
Perform regular tabletop exercises and full-scale drills to simulate emergency scenarios.
Evaluate response times, communication effectiveness, and overall coordination.
Strengthen Relationships with Stakeholders
Foster open communication with airlines, ground handlers, air traffic controllers, and other key stakeholders. Collaborative efforts reduce misunderstandings during emergencies.
Review Airport Infrastructure and Airside Operations
Inspect infrastructure for potential hazards, such as poorly placed equipment or structures.
Assess bird strike mitigation programs and ensure compliance with wildlife management policies and regulations.
Enhance Data Monitoring and Analysis
Use AI tools and predictive analytics to identify patterns and predict potential risks.
Regularly review operational data to detect anomalies or areas of concern.
Communicate with Regulators
Maintain transparent communication with aviation authorities. Proactively seek guidance or share findings from internal reviews.
Stay Informed on Global Incidents
Monitor industry reports on crashes or safety concerns, even those unrelated to your operations, to gain insights and improve practices.
Create a Crisis Communication Plan
Develop a clear strategy for media response and stakeholder communication in the event of an incident.
A Call to Action
Incidents like the crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 remind us of the unpredictable nature of aviation and the critical importance of preparation. While no system can eliminate all risks, robust safety practices can help mitigate potential hazards and reduce the likelihood of catastrophic outcomes.
Let this checklist serve as a guide to strengthening your airport's readiness and resilience. By proactively addressing the unknown, we can better safeguard passengers, staff, and operations.
How Acclivix Can Help
At Acclivix, we understand the complexities of managing safety and preparedness in today’s aviation landscape. We specialize in supporting airport operators with:
Safety Management System (SMS) Reviews: Ensure your SMS is comprehensive and up-to-date.
Third-Party Safety Audits: Gain fresh perspectives and identify unseen risks.
Emergency Preparedness Initiatives: Strengthen your ability to respond to crises with reviews of your operational and emergency plans and bespoke training.
Technology Integration: Leverage AI and advanced tools to monitor risks and enhance decision-making.
Comprehensive Training: Delivering interactive safety training programs to equip your personnel with the skills needed for effective safety management and response.
Let us help you build a safer, more resilient airport operation. Reach out today to discuss how we can support your safety, operations and emergency preparedness goals.
Contact us by email to currie.russell@acclivix.com or call 416-347-7345.