Safety Management System

A Safety Management System (SMS) is a formalized, proactive, organization-wide approach to managing safety risk in aviation. Required by ICAO Annex 19, SMS integrates safety into all levels of an aviation organization.

SMS has four components (ICAO framework):

• Safety policy and objectives: Management commitment, safety accountability, appointment of key safety personnel
• Safety risk management: Hazard identification, risk assessment, and mitigation
• Safety assurance: Safety performance monitoring, audits, management of change
• Safety promotion: Training, communication, just culture (non-punitive reporting)

SMS is mandatory for airlines, airports, ANSPs, and maintenance organizations. It complements traditional regulatory compliance with a data-driven, continuous improvement approach to safety.