Reinforce the balance between operational performance and safety risk management

As part of the Safety Risk Management Simulation course, participants can choose between two immersive, facilitator‑led simulation experiences. Each simulation brings SMS principles to life through realistic airline scenarios, hands‑on practice, and structured debriefs—allowing learners to apply ICAO‑compliant tools and strengthen their safety leadership skills. Both simulations reflect real operational pressures, encourage collaborative decision‑making, and reinforce the continuous balance between operational performance and safety risk management. Participants select the simulation that best suits their learning objectives and professional focus.

 

Simulation 1 | Immersive, Facilitator‑Led Airline Operations Exercise

Simulation 1 is a highly interactive, facilitator-led experience that brings real-world airline operational decision-making to life. Designed for aviation professionals, it places participants in a dynamic environment where they manage the performance of a virtual airline over five progressive rounds.

Realistic Operational Scenarios

Throughout the simulation, participants receive detailed briefings covering:

  • Route networks
  • Fleet and aircraft composition
  • Operational conditions, including weather
  • Financial status and performance
  • External intelligence from competitors and regulatory bodies

As each round unfolds, new information and changing conditions challenge participants to adapt quickly and collaborate effectively.

Decision-Making Under Pressure

Participants work together to:

  • Identify emerging operational issues
  • Evaluate safety and operational risks
  • Make informed, time‑sensitive decisions
  • Balance production and protection—mirroring the real trade‑offs faced by aviation leaders

Every decision has consequences: misjudgments or weak justifications result in financial penalties, reinforcing accountability and outcome‑based learning.

Reflective Learning Built In

Each round features a structured debrief, giving teams the opportunity to review decisions, compare strategies, and learn from alternate approaches. This reflective process strengthens both individual understanding and team performance.

Performance Scored for Impact

At the end of the exercise, the system automatically evaluates team performance using a five‑star rating—providing a clear, motivating benchmark of operational excellence.

Simulation 2 | Safety Culture & Management of Change Leadership Exercise

Simulation 2 is a facilitator‑led, immersive experience designed to strengthen safety culture awareness, organizational decision-making, and Management of Change (MoC) capabilities within a fast‑growing airline environment. Spanning six progressive rounds, this simulation mirrors the strategic and operational pressures airline leaders face in a rapidly evolving global market.

Assess and Strengthen Safety Culture

At the start of the simulation, participants receive an in‑depth overview of an airline pursuing ambitious expansion. Using IATA’s nine safety culture drivers, they are tasked with evaluating the organization’s current safety culture and developing evidence‑based recommendations for improvement.

Structured Debriefs for Deeper Insight

At the end of each round, the facilitator leads a focused debrief, encouraging participants to justify their decisions, reflect on impacts, compare approaches, and learn from peer perspectives. These discussions build both technical confidence and leadership judgement.

Hands‑On Management of Change Scenario

In later rounds, the focus shifts to a realistic MoC case involving the launch of operations to a new destination. Participants receive comprehensive data on the destination airport, operational environment, and associated risks. They must:

  • Develop a complete system description
  • Identify operational and safety hazards
  • Conduct an ICAO‑compliant safety risk assessment
  • Define appropriate mitigations and control strategies

All analysis is performed using standard ICAO tools and templates to reinforce real‑world applicability.

Leadership Presentation to Close the Simulation

In the final round, participants prepare and deliver a formal presentation to the Chief Executive Officer. This closing activity requires them to outline practical solutions for strengthening safety culture and propose a robust, sustainable MoC strategy that supports safe and commercially viable operations.