The summit, themed “Future-Proofing Aviation Safety: Adapt, Innovate, Excel,” convened regulators, original equipment manufacturers, operators, and policy specialists from across the region.
Discussions focused on strengthening policy frameworks, enhancing cooperation among regulators, integrating technology, building a skilled workforce, improving data-sharing, and evolving safety management systems (SMS) to respond to current and future risks.
Human dimension of safety
INAEC president Benjamin “Jay” Lopez was a panelist in the session on SMS, presenting “SMS: The Journey Ahead.” Lopez underscored that safety goes beyond systems and protocols—it requires trust and culture.
“We know that trust is essential to safety, and we build trust through leadership that listens, responds, and shows up,” Lopez said.
“Safety needs to be part of the organizational culture. We must guard against complacency, take pride in doing things right, and remember that what we do each day protects lives—our own, our colleagues’, their families, and everyone we come into contact with.”
Upholding global standards
INAEC is the only Philippine aviation operator to secure Stage 3 certification under the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) and Stage 2 certification under the International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH).
Both standards are globally recognized benchmarks for safety in business aviation and ground handling.
Kurt Edwards, director general of the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), lauded INAEC’s leadership.
“Being both IS-BAO and IS-BAH-accredited, INAEC can credibly speak on SMS themes. It highlights not only IBAC programs but also INAEC’s commitment to safety excellence,” he said.
Philippine presence
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) also sent delegates to the summit. CAAP Director General Lt. Gen. Raul Del Rosario (ret.) said international forums allow Philippine regulators to benchmark against global standards.
“In support of ICAO’s goal of ‘zero fatalities in commercial operations by 2030 and beyond,’ we must stay informed of safety trends and continue developing ways to contribute to this vision,” Del Rosario said. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
