Representatives of NAV CANADA, HungaroControl and NATS joined assessors and programme coordinators of the CANSO/EUROCONTROL Standard of Excellence in Safety Management System (SMS) (SoE) measurement programme met in Valencia to review progress of the programme in 2024, gather feedback, and outline priorities for the 2025 launch.
The Standard of Excellence in SMS programme involves annual measurement which provides air navigation service providers (ANSPs) with a structured framework to evaluate their SMS maturity, identify key improvement areas, and enhance safety practices. By leveraging a 13-area questionnaire, ANSPs gain valuable insights to guide their safety journey and ensure long-term sustainability in safety management and identify future improvements.
Forty four ANSPs completed the 2024 questionnaire. It was designed to act as both a diagnostic and developmental tool, encouraging ANSPs to reflect on their SMS maturity and chart a clear pathway to improvement. To further assist participants, new support materials are being developed for the 2025 cycle.
According to CANSO, a robust onboarding process will enhance the next cycle. It will feature a number of improvements, including an instructional video and enhanced app features that will address access issues and improved functionality based on participant feedback.
“The SoE in SMS initiative offers ANSPs a unique opportunity to benchmark their progress, access expert resources, and contribute to a safer global airspace, said John Wennes, CANSO safety programmes manager. He added: “We are delighted to have seen such a high number of participants in the 2024 cycle of the SoE in SMS. Meetings like this allow us to collect feedback and ensure that each cycle is improved for the benefit of our members.”
The 2025 cycle begins with a kick-off dedicated informational session in which handouts will be provided outlining steps to help those new to SMS get started on their journey at the March CANSO Safety Conference, followed by the formal launch in May 2025. All CANSO and EUROCONTROL member ANSPs are invited to participate and benefit.
