Strengthening safety management in aviation maintenance: insights from EASA and global regulatory frameworks

Abstract

Anticipated growth in global commercial aviation poses significant challenges to maintaining established safety levels, particularly in aircraft maintenance. Safety Management Systems (SMS), as defined by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 19, provide a structured framework for hazard identification, risk management, and continuous improvement. This paper examines SMS implementation in the maintenance domain across key jurisdictions, highlighting regulatory variations: mandatory adoption in Europe through the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), voluntary compliance in the United States under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and structured guidance in Australia via the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These differences illustrate the complexity of achieving consistent global safety outcomes. The discussion underscores the need for systematic hazard identification, risk mitigation, and competency development to ensure effective SMS implementation. While ICAO standards offer a foundational schema, regional interpretations and gaps in practical guidance remain challenges. Strengthening SMS understanding and application is critical to sustaining safety performance amid rising operational demands.