EVALUATION OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN THE TURKISH AVIATION INDUSTRY: EVIDENCE FROM AVIATION COMPANIES

This study focuses on the Safety Management System (SMS) brought forward by aviation authorities in the early 2000s, which aims to increase the safety level of air transportation activities and to maintain these activities at acceptable risk levels. SMS is an administrative application that emerged to ensure safety in aviation activities, and became widespread in national and international fields. Many organizations in the aviation industry implement SMS and set up SMS divisions. The aim of this study is to explain the process of transition to SMS in aviation organizations in Turkey. Qualitative research method was applied. Semi structured interviews, observations and researcher diary were used as data collection tools. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 organizations' SMS managers who work for group A ground service organizations, catering organizations and terminal organizations. To include all related stakeholders, a semi structured interview was conducted with an SMS auditor from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Three observations related to SMS were performed throughout the research. Qualitative data were analyzed by inductive analyses method. This study discusses organizations' transition to SMS, and the factors that challenge and facilitate the transition process. Lastly, suggestions for process improvements were presented.