Safety Management Systems (SMS) for Airlines

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About the course

5-day (40 hours) classroom course

IATA Safety Management Systems (SMS) for Airlines aviation training course

Implementation of SMS became mandatory for airline international operations in November 2006. Since then, the airline community has developed considerable experience and acquired important “lessons learned” regarding both SMS implementation and operation. However, most training currently available for the airline community still relies on content developed to satisfy early SMS implementation requirements. This course reflects progress on SMS practical knowledge as well as conceptual thinking since 2006, both resulting from shared industry experiences, including the latest requirements regarding safety culture and the enhanced protection for safety data and safety information included in the second edition of Annex 19.

Download the Outline

Course code: SAC015VEEN02

Course format

Prerequisites

  • Participants should have basic knowledge of operational safety. If you don’t have knowledge of Safety Management System concepts, we recommend that you take the IATA Safety Management Systems Fundamentals e-learning before this course.
  • Recommended level is Intermediate.
  • The recommended level of language proficiency is ICAO Operational Level 4 for courses in English or the equivalent level for other languages.

How to register

In-house training

To arrange in-house training for your company, please complete the in-house training request form or contact the Training Specialist in your region.

Next class

Safety Management Systems (SMS) for Airlines

Kenya, Nairobi (KQ-RTP)
11 - 15 May, 2026
Course no: 4519251

This class is offered in cooperation with Kenya Airways Pride Center (KQ).
A regional price applies to residents of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and Somalia. Please refer to KQ for the final price.

Registration

The Kenya Airways Pride Centre (KQ)
Embakasi Road Off Airport North Road
Embakasi
Nairobi
Kenya

Register on the KQ website

Safety Management Systems (SMS) for Airlines

Switzerland, Geneva (IATA)
8 - 12 June, 2026
USD100 Early Bird | Register by May 18, 2026
Prices before tax | Class no: 2943283 English
USD 2,240
USD 2,910
Regular*
USD 3,245

Safety Management Systems (SMS) for Airlines

Canada, Montreal (IATA)
6 - 10 July, 2026
20% Early Bird | Register by Apr 06, 2026
Prices before tax | Class no: 2974810 English
USD 1,872
USD 2,408
Regular*
USD 2,676

Safety Management Systems (SMS) for Airlines

Hong Kong SAR, China (IATA)
10 - 14 August, 2026
20% Early Bird | Register by May 11, 2026
Prices before tax | Class no: 2975097 English
USD 1,872
USD 2,408
Regular*
USD 2,676

Safety Management Systems (SMS) for Airlines

Türkiye, Istanbul (TKAA-RTP)
17 - 21 August, 2026
Course no: 3607627

This class is offered in cooperation with Turkish Airlines Aviation Academy.
The regional price applies to residents of Turkey.
Please refer to TKAA for the final price.

Register

Turkish Airlines Aviation Academy
Ataturk Airport; Gate B 34149 Yesilkoy
Istanbul, Turkey
E-mail: tkaaiatatrainings@thy.com
Phone: +90 (212) 463 63 63 - 12360 - 14257 - 13101

Register on TKAA website

Safety Management Systems (SMS) for Airlines

United States, Miami (IATA)
5 - 9 October, 2026
25% Early Bird | Register by Apr 06, 2026
Prices before tax | Class no: 2981185 English
USD 1,755
USD 2,258
Regular*
USD 2,509

Safety Management Systems (SMS) for Airlines

Singapore, Singapore (IATA)
30 November - 4 December, 2026
25% Early Bird | Register by Jun 01, 2026
Prices before tax | Class no: 2986644 English
USD 1,755
USD 2,258
Regular*
USD 2,509

What you will learn

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

  • Summarize the fundamental safety management concepts that sustain the operation of an SMS
  • Establish the priorities for safety mitigation based on the evaluation of safety risk
  • Develop strategies for safety risk mitigation using safety risk profiles as a frame of reference
  • Develop the building blocks for the implementation and operation of an effective airline employee safety reporting program
  • Develop strategies for safety risk mitigation using safety risk profiles as a frame of reference
  • Explain the requirements to achieve compliance with ICAO Annex 19 and IOSA SMS standards

Course content

The key topics that are covered during this course include:

  • Levels of safety risk decision making
  • Importance of an evidence-based allocation of resources
  • Safety deficiency, hazard, potential consequence and safety risk
  • Steps involved in monitoring safety performance
  • Safety risk profiles
  • Safety reporting program

Activities

  • Interactive exercises
  • Role play
  • Case studies
  • Final assessment

Who should attend

This course is recommended for:

  • Airline operations managers
  • Corporate and operational safety managers, analysts, coordinators
  • Postholders
  • Quality managers

Certificate awarded

An IATA Certificate of Completion is awarded to participants obtaining a grade of 70% or higher on all exercises and exams. A special distinction is awarded to participants obtaining a grade of 90% or higher.