During 2010 Menzies Aviation continued to build on the positive results it had achieved during 2009. This was achieved during periods of operational disruption caused by the Icelandic Volcano, Hurricanes and Earthquakes and of course the coldest period recorded in the UK and Central Europe where the Menzies Aviation operational teams rose to the challenge and were a credit to the company. During the year some 80 employees received safety recognition awards from which 3 employees were shortlisted and selected to receive a special TAG watch awarded in recognition of their efforts.
The structure of Health, Safety and Security management within Menzies Aviation has changed during the year to match the operational business needs and further strengthen the focus on establishing operational standards and policies. This was achieved through the appointment of a new position of SVP Operational Support, reporting directly to the EVP Operations.
The development and successful implementation of the SMART programme has established a framework of minimum standards that all business operations must strive to achieve. SMART has been designed to concisely and clearly provide the minimum standard expected in a Menzies operation. Compliance against these standards is monitored through self-certification, as well as independent audit. It covers subjects including Safety, Security and Quality, Corporate Governance, Human Resource, Operational Training, Planning and Procedures and Finance. Although challenging, the 2010 SMART audit performance supported by Deloitte for ground handling activities recorded a running rate of >90% compliance. The year also saw the successful and strategic implementation of the IATA Safety Audit Ground Operations (ISAGO) programme at the corporate level and selected network stations.
The network safety, security & training team has continued to be closely involved supporting new start up operations and other activities in Europe, Africa, India, Oceania and the Americas, as well as providing support to underperforming stations. This also included the successful takeover of the BMI and Lufthansa contracts at Heathrow, with no major issues.
Menzies Aviation has continued to build on the work completed during 2009 and strengthened its network security programme this year by adopting a more proactive approach following the launch of the aviation Security Policy Manual. At the same time the division has maintained a strong focus on UK cargo security where further investment has been made in new leading edge security enhancements.
Menzies Aviation continues to take a proactive position with representation on industry groups such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Airside Safety Group. Representation at these groups continues to underpin a strong message to the industry and regulators that Menzies Aviation is proactive in their commitment to safety.
Menzies Operating Responsibility Safely and Effectively (MORSE)
Menzies Aviation’s safety management programme is called MORSE. The MORSE safety management system and network safety team provide a dedicated resource within each region to support the field organisation and ensure we maintain a strong safety compliance focus. SMART is an integral part of the safety management system and the network team work together to set policy, agree standard operational procedures and communicate regular safety awareness information to the field organisation. The priority continues to be standardising safety and other business critical processes.
MORSE incorporates an intranet-based network reporting and investigation system for the recording of all incidents, including near misses, to UK standards and is continually updated and refreshed to promote its safety and security awareness message.
A new safety and security business plan tool was introduced in Menzies Aviation in 2009 that now forms part of the annual budget planning process. This initiative requires each business unit to consider what specific and measurable preventative actions or measures they will take during the following year to reduce safety and security incidents. These individual safety and security plans were approved by regional management and will be reviewed by the Incident Review Board on a quarterly basis and during audits and form a key part of the strategy and work programme within each region during 2010.
The Menzies Aviation MORSE safety, security and SMART programmes continue to support and enhance the operational and commercial activities of the aviation division.