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Culture and human factors in aviation security
Journal of Airport Management,
18
(2),
122-133
(2024)
Abstract
Culture and human factors in aviation environment are not new concepts. They have been primary components of the aviation safety system and have become fundamental to the operations of air carriers. Their significance in ensuring safe aviation practices is widely recognised and accepted today. These concepts have been seamlessly integrated into the organisational DNA of aviation safety, shaping core principles and practices. In contrast, aviation security has historically lagged behind, often seen merely as a component of the broader safety framework. Over the years, safety and security have evolved separately, reflecting their distinct natures. While aviation safety has reached a high level of maturity, aviation security is now in a position where it must catch up. Current aviation security staff recruitment and retention challenges need to be addressed by creating better strategy for future recruitment, professionalisation of security workforce and improved airport environment. Embedding strong and effective security culture, consideration of human factors and their impact on staff performance and development of mission valence can positively affect airport working environment, leading to better staff retention and positive perception of aviation security roles.
Keywords: aviation security; security culture; human factors; airport security; airport training; security awareness; organisational culture; safety and security; airport management
The full article is available to subscribers to the journal.
Author's Biography
Dorota Broom joined CAA International in June 2022 as Technical Adviser for Aviation Security. She is a DfT certified Aviation Security Instructor with 16 years’ experience in the industry. She believes passionately that sharing the understanding of human factors and promoting security culture can improve the standard of aviation security worldwide. She has lived and worked in various countries and is fluent in English, Italian and Polish. In her current role Dorota is responsible for providing technical support and expertise to an international audience in aviation security through design and delivery of training. She is a proactive collaborator in various Civil Aviation Authority – CAA International (CAAi) projects. Currently this includes a three-year research project for EASA on the Impact of Security Measures on Safety, ICAO Security Culture and DfT ASTEM Framework. Previously, Dorota worked for Ryanair for 16 years in various roles, including Safety and Emergency Procedures Instructor, Senior Examiner and Quality Assurer for Security Training. She was responsible for safety and security training to cabin crew, flight crew and instructors and has prepared security instructors for national certification both in the UK and Ireland. She delivered training for Ryanair in areas of safety, security, crew resource management (CRM), dangerous goods, first aid and survival.
