Airport surface operations: A holistic framework for operations modeling and risk management

•The paper models airport surface operations from a holistic point of view.•An airport surface system architecture is developed.•The causal factors underlying airport surface accidents and incidents are identified.•The model provides a framework for integrated risk assessments of airport operations.

Air transport is a key driver for social and economic development and its demand has increased steadily over the years. One crucial element of the air transport system is airports, and in particular, the airport surface, which facilitates the ground movements of aircraft and provides the link between ground and air. The nature of surface operations is such that it requires the input, coordination and cooperation of various actors. The complexity of these operations makes the system vulnerable, and therefore, the development and implementation of an effective Safety Management System are required. The current approach to surface safety management, however, is piecemeal and not integrated. Typically, a single occurrence type is investigated from the perspective of an individual stakeholder with the consequence that resulting proposals for safety mitigation measures are biased and limited in terms of their impact. This paper proposes a framework for a holistic risk assessment of airport surface operations that integrates the actions of all relevant stakeholders. Firstly, a process model of surface operations is developed using the conceptual framework of Business Process Modeling and the input of various data sources to achieve triangulation. Secondly, the causal factors underlying accidents and incidents are determined based upon a reference data set that combines 12 databases from airports, airlines, Air Navigation Service Providers, ground handling companies and regulators. The factors are summarized in a new taxonomy. Finally, a macroscopic scenario tool that supports the management of change, training and education, and safety communication functions of the SMS is introduced.