Madrid hosts the Eighth Conference on Safety and Just Culture to improve the operational safety of air transport

The legal and aviation sectors are coming together at the Eighth Conference on Safety and Just Culture, being held today and tomorrow in Madrid at the Palacio de Zurbano. The aim of the conference is to share the various needs regarding the processing of information and the protection of air transport professionals in aviation incidents, in order to promote the continuous improvement of safety.

During the Conference, the law creating the Independent Administrative Authority for the Technical Investigation of Rail, Maritime and Civil Aviation Accidents will be analysed

This edition, which brings together nearly one hundred professionals, will also address the law establishing the Independent Administrative Authority for the Technical Investigation of Rail, Maritime and Civil Aviation Accidents and Incidents, a body that is expected to contribute to enhancing safety across the various modes of transport.

The conference was organised by the Civil Aviation General Directorate (DGAC) with the support of the National Aviation Safety Agency (AESA), in coordination with ENAIRE, EUROCONTROL (European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation), APROCTA (Professional Association of Air Traffic Controllers), COPAC (Official Association of Commercial Aviation Pilots), and the UIB (University of the Balearic Islands).

The opening session featured Benito Núñez (General Secretary of Air and Maritime Transport of the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility), Enrique Maurer (CEO of ENAIRE), Razvan Ularescu (Senior Safety Expert at EUROCONTROL), Antonio Alonso (President of APROCTA), and Carlos San José (Dean of COPAC).

Representing ENAIRE, David Oliveros, the Head of the Safety Promotion and Culture Department, and Gregorio Munt, the Head of the Safety Department for the Balearic Region, took part in a presentation on ‘Operational Pressure versus Safety: A Real Case’.

The event also included the participation of Marc Baumgartner, representing IFATCA (International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations). The legal and academic perspectives were also provided through presentations by Judge Florentino Gregorio Ruiz Yamuza and Professor Eduardo Luna from the University of the Balearic Islands.

J. David Fanego, a lawyer, air traffic controller and member of APROCTA, then explained the main aspects of Act 2/2024, creating the new Authority.

A practical case on just culture was also presented by Mercedes Varona and Celia Pulgar from APROCTA. This involved the analysis and group discussion of a real aviation accident, followed by a judicial simulation.

Additionally, Gustavo Barba, Technical Secretary of COPAC, shared operational and Just Culture perspectives in accident investigations. Pilar Calvo, Director of Projects at ESM, gave a presentation on Fair Culture in the rail sector. And Germán de Melo, chairman of the COMME (Spanish Merchant Navy Officer Association), explained how Just Culture and safety are implemented in maritime transport.

Finally, the conference concluded with a round table moderated by J. David Fanego, at which the findings from the workshop were presented.

The organisers note the need to hold forums for dialogue and joint reflection between the legal and aviation sectors on principles such as Just Culture, in order to continue improving safety levels, build trust and prevent risks.

[From left to right, Enrique Maurer (ENAIRE), Carlos San José (COPAC), Benito Núñez (Ministry), Antonio Alonso (APROCTA) and Razvan Ularescu (EUROCONTROL)].

About APROCTA

APROCTA is the professional association of air traffic controllers in Spain. 

Its objectives are to promote operational safety and advocate for the concerns of professionals in projects related to the aviation and air traffic sectors.  

APROCTA has been collaborating with EUROCONTROL for years on Safety and Just Culture Workshops. It also participates in the Safety and Best Practices Observatory alongside ENAIRE and COPAC, contributing to risk analyses and safety studies, and it is actively involved in the leading national and international forums in the aviation sector. 

About COPAC

The Official Association of Commercial Aviation Pilots (COPAC) is a public-law, nationwide corporation created in 1998 that represents the professional interests of Spanish commercial pilots.

The main objectives of COPAC are to ensure the safety and legality of flight operations in order to guarantee the fundamental rights of citizens as air transport users. It is also responsible for monitoring and studying professional activity and incidents and for ensuring quality training for pilots, and it provides a communication channel between pilots, society and the government.

About ENAIRE

ENAIRE is the air navigation service provider in Spain.

As a company of the Ministry of Sustainable Transport and Mobility, it provides air traffic control services during the en route and approach phases of all flights to and from Spain and overflights. In addition, it manages communications, navigation and surveillance services from ENAIRE in the airspace and the entire AENA airport network in Spain and provides aerodrome air traffic control services in 21 airports, including the busiest.

ENAIRE is the fourth largest European air navigation service provider, and it is a member of international partnerships A6 Alliance, SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) Joint Undertaking, SESAR Deployment Manager, iTEC, CANSO (Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation) and collaborates closely with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization).

ENAIRE has received the highest score in Europe on the aviation safety key performance indicator for four years in a row. It has also been awarded the EFQM 600 Seal for its safe, efficient, innovative and sustainable management of air navigation services.