The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched IATA Connect, creating a secure community of aviation safety, security, compliance and operations experts at airlines, regulatory agencies and auditors. With an initial focus on the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), IATA Connect community members will be able to access and use the platform to securely exchange safety documentation, share information, and collaborate to support further improvements in aviation safety.
In addition to the IOSA Registry, IATA Connect will also house a secure private documentation repository with analytical and benchmarking capabilities. Contents of the document repository include IOSA audit reports, standards and related information, guidance materials, 440 airline profiles, industry alerts and news sources which can be accessed and shared. Some 2,300 aviation safety professionals have been invited to join the IATA Connect community covering regulators, IOSA registered airlines and auditors.
“IATA Connect will provide aviation safety and compliance professionals in government and the industry with a means to make flying even safer by facilitating real time collaboration. Whether it is sharing an IOSA audit report, responding to a compliance questionnaire, updating information on codeshare partners, benchmarking resources, or information gathering, IATA Connect will bring new efficiencies and greater capabilities. By collecting critical IOSA audit data in a single location, keeping it updated, and making the mechanics of information exchange easier, IATA Connect will be a compelling tool for everyone involved in aviation safety compliance and oversight,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
The launch of IATA Connect responds directly to the growing challenge of safety professionals to manage compliance documentation. In the face of growing operations, regulatory requirements and increasingly complex operational environments (with commercial and outsourcing partnerships), exchanging audit information and documentation on a single platform is expected to greatly enhance efficiency. Aiming for IATA Connect to become a virtual collaboration space for all aviation professionals, the platform is also available via a mobile App which will initially include two other key IATA safety offerings:
- Safety Connect, a longstanding secure forum used by interest groups for discussion and resources specific to operational areas such as cabin, cargo, and ground operations.
- The publicly available Safety Issue Hub, where information on hazards and safety risks are posted to enable the prioritisation and delivery of aviation safety improvement programs.
With time, and in response to user needs, IATA Connect will grow and add capabilities to make it the one-stop-shop for aviation safety professionals.
Agreement on use of aircraft operational data
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airbus, Embraer and Rolls-Royce have established five key principles for access to, and the use of, Aircraft Operational Data (AOD). These are:
- Consent: AOD can only be extracted with the airline’s written consent.
- Transparency: Airlines have visibility of the data generated by their aircraft and how it is used.
- Sharing: Airlines can choose the parties they share AOD with and control such sharing.
- Accessibility: Airlines can access, analyse, and use AOD from aircraft they operate without interference.
- Responsible Use: Airlines provide AOD to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to improve safety and, if they choose, to support aircraft reliability.
The principles apply to AOD generated by aircraft once delivered to the airline/operator, whether in flight or on the ground, and are subject to regulations and to contractual agreements between parties. The agreement follows productive and collaborative discussions between IATA (on behalf of the airline/operator community) and leading aircraft and engine manufacturers. Clarity on definition and use of AOD is important given AOD’s critical role in driving innovations in safety, maintenance, and operational efficiencies.
“These principles bring transparency to how AOD is used. Establishing that airlines are in control of the data generated by the aircraft they operate sets an important best practice in an area where a common understanding was needed. With this agreement, airlines, manufacturers and other interested parties will be able to more efficiently utilize AOD to operate and manage aircraft safely, efficiently and more sustainably. We look forward to other OEMs joining the early adopters in endorsing these commitments,” said Walsh.
The AOD Statement document with the agreed principles is available. IATA and OEMs will continually improve these guidelines to keep pace with technological advancements and industry needs.
IATA launches SeMS certification
IATA has launched the IATA Security Management System (SeMS) Certification Program to strengthen aviation security. The SeMS Certification Program is open to airlines, airports, cargo handling facilities, freight forwarders, ground handling service providers, and security service providers.
“SeMS is key to transforming global aviation security from a compliance mentality to one that is proactive in identifying and mitigating security risks and driving continuous improvements. This is vital for a much-needed modernization of aviation security built on dynamic, risk-based, and outcome-focused solutions. This is a major transition that must involve the entire sector. For that reason, the SeMS Certification is an independent assessment that will be available industry-wide, offering support and recognition to organizations at every phase of SeMS implementation,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety, and Security.
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 challenges, which may have a negative impact on that performance. While SeMS is not yet a mandated aviation security management process, its implementation is supported by IATA, ICAO, and key aviation regulators around the world.
To develop a certification program that can support various industry participants, an extensive case study was conducted, involving Japan Airlines, Brisbane Airport Corporation, CACC Cargolinx, and Worldwide Flight Services Inc.
The SeMS Certification Program follows a tiered approach, to meet the needs of organizations at varying levels of SeMS maturity:
- Level 1: SeMS procedures are in the early stages of development, with foundational elements established and ongoing progress toward formal documentation and consistent application.
- Level 2: SeMS procedures fully align with the SeMS Manual, are comprehensively documented, and consistently applied across all relevant areas.
- Level 3: SeMS procedures are implemented at an advanced level, achieving the highest standards. These procedures proactively identify, mitigate, and manage security risks while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
IATA’s SeMS Certification program is part of a comprehensive IATA SeMS adoption strategy that also includes:
- A SeMS Community, where individuals can learn and receive insights about SeMS principles and test their knowledge.
- Self-Assessment Tools, to help organizations evaluate how well they understand and apply SeMS principles, ensuring they are prepared for the certification process.
- Expanded Security Management Requirements, requiring IOSA-registered airlines, starting in January 2025, to oversee that their external service providers—including ground handling, security, and catering—implement SeMS in accordance with the updated IOSA Standards Manual Edition 18.
“IATA’s SeMS Certification, education initiatives, self-assessment tools and expanded security management requirements are part of a comprehensive strategy to improve security with a proactive and risk-based approach. This is a step beyond compliance to create a culture of continuous improvement across the entire supply chain,” said Careen.