Enhancing Airport Safety

ACI's flagship Airport Excellence (APEX) program supports airports in optimizing operations and elevating aviation standards through collaborative peer assessment. The program consists of on-site reviews led by industry peers and experts, and is based on ICAO standards, international regulations, and ACI best practices globally.

The APEX in Safety Assessment program aims to help airports of all sizes enhance safety performance, achieve greater compliance with standards, develop metrics and tools to reduce safety incidents, and offer recommendations to address identified gaps.

Program Highlights

Standards & Frameworks Alignment

This program leverages established standards and frameworks such as Annex 14 Standards and Recommended Practices, ACI handbooks, and industry best practices.

Risk Assessment & Vulnerability

A thorough assessment identifies how airports currently manage risks and vulnerabilities, offering insights into methodologies and approaches.

Functional Framework & Policy Review

The APEX Review Team evaluates existing safety policies and procedures to ensure they are current, comprehensive, and aligned with industry standards. This includes identifying gaps and recommending enhancements to strengthen overall safety protocols.

In-depth Analysis & Control Evaluation

APEX’s dedicated team conducts exhaustive assessments, including interviews and document analysis, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of an airport’s current safety certification status.

Program Structure

ACI will organize and dispatch the APEX Review Team to assist member airports. The APEX in Safety assessment lasts five days, with the duration and team composition varying based on the complexity of the assessment. At the conclusion of the review, the team presents its observations to the airport's senior staff, marking the end of the on-site phase.

After the on-site review, assessors compile a report with short, medium, and long-term improvement recommendations for the Host Airport. This confidential report, delivered within six weeks, offers airports a comprehensive overview of their safety landscape and high-level recommendations to better align with industry standards.

Pre-APEX
APEX Review
Post-APEX

Two months before review start date

  • Agreement Signing with Host Airport
  • Identify review team

Five days of on-site activities

  • Opening presentation and airport visit
  • On-site interviews with airport staff
  • Night visit of airport operations
  • Presentation of observations

Four to six weeks after review

  • Composition of report compiled by APEX review team
  • Review and comment by Host Airport
  • Submission of final report

MAximize value with a support package

Looking for an all-in-one solution to enhance operations, improve safety, and drive growth?

The safety Airport Support Package streamlines your certification pathway and reduces vulnerabilities across your operations. The package offers customized support through a holistic approach, helping your airport effectively implement a safety management system to meet industry standards.

Ready to enhance the level of safety at your airport?

Contact us to learn more about joining the APEX in Safety Assessment program. Elevate safety standards and compliance at your airport today!

Explore more APEX peer assessment programs for airports