Focus grows on data management for aviation safety specialists

- 4th World Aviation Safety Summit to debate how data can be made useful in real-time

24 April 2016 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Global aviation experts are gathering this week in Dubai at the World Aviation Safety Summit to tackle the most pressing issues and initiatives surrounding the international aviation industry.

Sector specialists will analyse how data management can transition from a responsive function into a core planning and prevention tool across the industry. They will look at methods of collecting, analysing and sharing flight safety data to enhance proactive and predictive safety.

In a session that will focus on data management on the first day of the Summit, members of the Advisory Board will discuss how to introduce safety performance indicators based on positive performance alongside strategies for the successful prevention of incidents and the effective management of threats and hazards. 
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently introduced Global Aviation Data Management (GADM), a ‘big data’ application supported by state-of-the-art warehousing technology that identifies emerging trends and flags risks that can be mitigated through improved safety programmes. More than 470 organisations around the globe are contributing their data to GADM and are gaining access to safety information with impact. 

Jehad Faqir, Head of Safety and Flight Operations, IATA commented: “Techniques to improve aviation safety have moved beyond the analyses of isolated accidents to data-driven analyses of trends and the interaction between the links in the air transport chain. GADM is a data management platform, integrating all sources of operational data received from various channels and IATA unique programs, such as Flight Operations, Infrastructure, IATA audits, etc. into a common and interlinked database structure.”

All GADM data contributors have access to applicable aggregated and de-identified reports and analyses, including pilot and flight attendant accident reports, aircraft ground damage reports and collated Flight Data Analysis (FDA).

Increasing numbers of industry players are choosing more data management tools. For example, Sazma Aviation recently selected Skytrac Flight Data Monitoring services to monitor engine health and safety parameters on its Sikorsky S-76 aircraft. Sazma Aviation receives a package that includes an online reporting interface, a custom event matrix with real-time air-to-ground exceedance notification services.

There is also an increased international focus on how to reduce safety risks caused by human error and how to fully recover data crucial for analysing aircraft-related incidents. 

Niall O’Sullivan, Arconics Chief Executive Officer commented: “AeroDocs Airline Document Management System gives operators complete control over their digital documents. Control is a critical factor in a successful safety policy, and maintaining up-to-date records on who has updated, distributed and received ops manuals contributes greatly to successful safety audit outcomes. Our vision of the connected aircraft software ecosystem unites all the participants in the journey, from airline management to regulators, from Ops Control to the flightcrew, from cabin crew to the passengers. We need to ensure that the right data is always available to the right people at the right time.”

Organisations like Arconics and Aerobytes will be showcasing the benefits of data management to improving aviation safety at the Summit.

Kevin Martin, Sales Manager at Aerobytes said: “Aerobytes will be demonstrating its FDM software with drill down capabilities. With FDM results providing information for safety, efficiency, training plus more and integration with SMS and other systems it is essential to choose reliable and well supported software. Aerobytes provides such a tool offering sophisticated analysis while being easy to use.”

Hosted by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority on 25 and 26 April, 2016 and organised by Streamline Marketing Group, the Summit will facilitate discussions, partnerships and strategic planning that will advance excellence in aviation safety.

Mr. Khalid Al Arif, Director Standards & Regulations Department at Dubai Civil Aviation Authority commented: “As data management systems develop in complexity, it’s important for organisations within our industry to stay up to date with the latest enhancements. The collection, sharing and analysis of information form fundamental elements of ensuring safety and we continue to invest in research on the latest data analysis capabilities within aviation. DCAA is committed to supporting the use of state of the art technology and we are constantly looking for ways to continue improving operations. The World Aviation Safety Summit gives industry players the chance to showcase innovation within data management and we look forward to seeing the benefits that the latest systems can bring to maximising safety.”