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How organisations can adapt and evolve their safety management systems to foster a culture that prioritises safety at every level
Journal of Airport Management,
19
(3),
222-232
(2025)
Abstract
This paper explores how organisations, particularly in the aviation industry, can evolve their safety management systems (SMS) to foster a deeply ingrained safety culture. Key concepts such as the Bradley Curve, management of change (MOC) and proactive safety strategies are discussed, alongside actionable steps to evaluate and strengthen safety practices supported by an airport example. The paper emphasises leadership’s role in embedding safety into daily operations for improved outcomes and resilience. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.
Keywords: leadership; enhanced safety culture; management of change; proactive safety strategies; FOD walks
The full article is available to subscribers to the journal.
Author's Biography
Marcelo Cabral holds a Master’s degree in industrial engineering specialising in logistics and completed a Bachelor’s degree in business administration in Montreal. During the final year of his postgraduate studies, he pursued his passion for aviation by undertaking courses from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Institute of Air and Space Law at McGill University. In 2011, Marcelo relocated to Vancouver to join the Vancouver International Airport Authority (YVR), where he has since held various roles. For the past four years, he has been an integral part of the safety management system (SMS) programme, ensuring the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance for the airport and its stakeholders. In addition to his work at YVR, Marcelo is a regular guest speaker at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), where he shares industry insights with future pilots and airport operations professionals in the Airport Operations programme.
Preety Dutta is a seasoned safety professional with 15 years’ experience in aviation and transport safety management systems (SMS), operational safety auditing, safety compliance and regulatory oversight. She began her career in an International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Auditing organisation, where she developed deep expertise in safety auditing, auditor training and safety documentation. Her career expanded into the railway sector, where, as Manager, SMS, she spearheaded critical safety initiatives, earning the Railway Association of Canada Safety Award in 2023. Now, as Manager, Operational Safety at Vancouver International Airport Authority (YVR), Preety leads the implementation and integration of SMS across all operational departments, driving a proactive safety culture and ensuring YVR remains at the forefront of aviation safety excellence. With extensive experience in auditing, compliance and safety governance, she is a leader in advancing safety standards within the aviation industry.
