Safety Management System (SMS) implementation at Velana International Airpot of Maldives : challenges and opportunities / Ahmed Faseel

Abstract

Airport safety and security is one of the main concern area in almost all the country. Safety Management System will ensure that the airports are safe and well maintained and monitored at national level and international level, so it will help to identify and predict risk involved in operations of airports.
This research explored the challenges faced in implementation of Safety Management System at Velana International Airport by Maldives Airports Company Limited. The data was collected through focus group interview by a team of 6 members from the implementation team. The data collected through the interview were analyzed and evaluated.
The Key findings from the study are:
- The main reason or the main challenge for the safety management system being not implemented till to date is due to the lack of top management commitment, political pressure, lack of team commitment etc.
- To implement a Safety Management System, it is important to create a good communication culture within the team as well the team members and the top management, where there is good transparency between them and all the works and plans are communicated well enough and also to create a safety culture, where the staff are aware of safety policies and procedures.
- By Keeping the staff and other stakeholders aware of the company's vision, mission and the purpose of having the SMS, so everyone will know the importance and the position of such a SMS system in the aviation industry, by making awareness.