The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is working closely with Member State regulators and industry partners to identify the new or emerging safety issues arising from COVID-19. This review took the form of a survey and follow-up virtual meetings with the different stakeholder groups. The work presented mirrors the collaborative activities that the Agency normally carries out in identifying safety issues and managing risks as part of the European Safety Risk Management (SRM) process. Naturally, the process has been adapted to take account of the new working environment.
The survey and follow-up discussions identified many different safety issues across a wide range of operational activities. The over-arching theme to all of these safety issues was the need for well-functioning management systems, which ensure that we are able to identify and manage our risks effectively. Whether the issue is a specific problem faced by one domain or a human factors issue that affects all aviation personnel, it is vital that everyone in an organisation is focused on the goal of delivering safe and effective operations.
