Voluntary safety reporting helps minimize risks, promptly develop remedial and preventive measures, and ensure aviation safety. However, how can a culture of voluntary safety reporting be fostered at airports? This was the central focus of the workshop recently organized by Noi Bai International Airport on December 18, 2024.

The workshop on promoting a culture of voluntary safety reporting, hosted by Noi Bai International Airport, saw the participation of representatives from the Safety and Quality Control Department of the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), the Northern Airport Authority, various airlines, ground service providers, operational units at the airport, members of the Noi Bai Runway Safety Team, and other affiliated units.

Voluntary safety reporting plays a crucial role in the aviation sector in general and at Noi Bai International Airport in particular. It enables the early identification of risks and potential hazards, allowing preventive measures to be implemented to improve flight safety. Developing a system for voluntary safety reporting and motivating individuals and organizations to participate can yield significant benefits. It fosters a positive safety culture where individuals are not afraid of penalties for reporting but are instead recognized for their contributions to collective safety.

Moreover, the more reports collected, the richer the database available for safety personnel to analyze and assess risk trends. This allows for the development of effective improvement measures, reduces accidents and incidents, and raises aviation safety standards.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, Deputy Director of Noi Bai International Airport and chair of the workshop, emphasized: "Voluntary safety reporting is an effective tool for the early detection of potential hazards, the prevention of incidents and accidents, and the continuous improvement of the safety management system." She highlighted that the workshop provided an opportunity for safety personnel at Noi Bai to share knowledge and experiences in establishing voluntary safety reporting systems at their respective units. Additionally, it served as a platform to finalize an action plan for immediate implementation starting in early 2025.

The safety management system at Noi Bai International Airport has been implemented in accordance with the regulations of the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) since 2018. However, to date, the number of voluntary safety reports received has been very limited. Workshop participants focused on analyzing the challenges and obstacles and reached a strong consensus on the necessary solutions to establish an effective and efficient voluntary safety reporting system, seamlessly integrating individuals and organizations operating within the Noi Bai International Airport area.

Regarding solutions to promote voluntary safety reporting, the three-hour workshop featured many valuable presentations and discussions. Notably, Mr. Au Duy Linh, Head of the Safety and Quality Department at Vietnam Airlines (VNA), shared extensive insights into effective measures currently being implemented by VNA. These include ensuring the system provides immediate feedback upon receiving voluntary safety reports, promptly disseminating information to leadership and unit heads to ensure swift communication, and leveraging advanced foreign technologies for rapid, scientific data collection, analysis, evaluation, and processing.

Additionally, VNA has introduced policies to encourage staff to actively participate in voluntary safety reporting. These efforts are supported by diverse communication methods, such as direct meetings, internal portals, mobile applications, and recognition programs, including awards and honors to motivate and acknowledge contributors.

A wide range of units participated in the workshop discussions, including the Safety and Quality Control Department of ACV, Noi Bai Safety and Quality Control Department, Noi Bai Airport Operations Center, Noi Bai Training Center, Environmental Technology Department, VIAGS Noi Bai, Hanoi Ground Services, Vietnam Aircraft Maintenance Company, and Bamboo Airways. There was unanimous agreement on the principle of non-punitive voluntary safety reporting, along with the recommendation to establish KPIs to hold units accountable for encouraging employees to actively engage in safety reporting.

At the conclusion of the workshop, Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan expressed her gratitude for the valuable contributions of the participants. She emphasized that all units operating at the airport must collaborate to build a culture of voluntary safety reporting—not just for Noi Bai International Airport but also for the shared aviation ecosystem where airlines, organizations, and agencies operate, with the ultimate goal of ensuring aviation safety.

Ms. Ngan summarized: “Active adoption of digital transformation should be prioritized to improve the infrastructure for voluntary safety reporting; a safety reporting system must ensure comprehensive connectivity across all levels; a non-punitive safety culture should be cultivated; transparent and public recognition and rewards must be implemented; KPIs should be defined for each unit; and communication and training for employees must be enhanced.” She also recommended that ACV provide standardized guidance and implement unified reward and motivation policies across all 22 affiliated airports to foster the culture of voluntary safety reporting throughout the entire system.

By establishing an effective voluntary safety reporting system and encouraging individual participation, safety levels at Noi Bai International Airport and other units are expected to improve further, ensuring the safety of passengers, employees, and aviation operations.

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