Aviation Security Management

In order to understand what aviation security management involves, we must first make the difference between safety and security.

Aviation security and safety are top priorities in the aviation industry, but they are also two concepts that are often confused and even used interchangeably when they are two different things.

What Is Aviation Safety?

As described by Boeing, aviation safety refers to the technical, human, and organizational aspects, among others, that have an effect on aircraft and flights, as well as the efforts made to guarantee the effects do not result in injury or loss. Commercial airlines and major manufacturers must adhere to every safety regulation mandated by the regulatory agencies.

Therefore, an important part of aviation safety is the investigation of serious incidents and accidents in order to obtain information that can be crucial to improving safety management in similar situations.

Our Safety Investigation Process and Management course offer participants the opportunity to learn about the ICAO investigation protocol, guidelines for investigation management, and general information regarding the investigation process within the safety management system.

What Is Aviation Security?

Boeing also describes aviation security as “only one component that may affect passenger safety. It is not so much related to the airplane itself, but rather to intelligence gathering, pre-boarding procedures, and airport security personnel. It is mainly aviation security that has been receiving urgent attention since Sept. 11.”

As you can see, aviation security represents a part of aviation safety. Therefore, aviation security management becomes essential to guarantee safety.

What Is Aviation Security Management?

Aviation security management involves overseeing the multiple activities performed in daily operations at an airport and by any organization doing business within the aviation industry. This must be done while keeping up with continuous regulatory development.

A critical aspect of aviation security management in daily airport operations is processing passengers transiting through the airport. Airports are complex ecosystems that must have sophisticated operations to guarantee a smooth travel experience for passengers. Therefore, understanding airport operations is essential for aviation security management.

Key personnel offer expertise

As happens in many other areas, key personnel offer expertise in aviation security management. The combination of knowledge and experience is a great contribution to guaranteeing aviation security management performs in the best possible way.

Now, to ensure key personnel offer expertise in aviation security management, these personnel must gain qualified knowledge and skills in different areas that include but are not limited to:

Global threat assessment
Fully integrated security design
Site security needs
Site assessments
Interpreting the latest international regulatory requirements
Effective communication with civil aviation authorities, airlines, and other airport-related agencies
Airport operations

Of course, prospective aviation security managers need to prepare themselves and our Understanding Airport Operations course could be a great way to start if you are interested in getting the job. With this course, you will get a comprehensive understanding of the many aspects required in the processing of passengers transiting through an airport and the legislation that airports must adhere to with a particular emphasis on safety and security.

The main incidents

There have been different security incidents throughout history. Perhaps the one most people can easily recall is the so-called 9/11 in the United States.

However, violence or the threat of violence against aviation can be found since the origins of commercial aviation. Bombing, hijacking, and other forms of terrorism are part of the threats. This is why global threat assessments and site assessments are so critical.

What are security management systems?

As described by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), “a Security Management System (SeMS) provides an entity with a framework of operating principles and guidance which enable it to enhance security performance by proactively managing risks, threats, and areas where there are gaps and vulnerabilities which may have a negative impact on that performance.”

What is the primary purpose of aviation security?

The main aim of aviation security is to prevent unlawful intervention and mainly by blocking weapons and explosive materials from entering airplanes.

Of course, the aviation security scope reaches beyond aircraft and site security, which is why a global threat assessment is essential to work together with aircraft and site assessments to achieve the ultimate goal, of ensuring aircraft and site security needs by applying a fully integrated security design.