CANSO Global Safety Conference – Getting to grips with GAPPRI
Ahead of the CANSO Global Safety Conference, we spoke with James Lewis, Senior Aviation Consultant, Think Research. James Lewis specialises in aviation safety, project management, concept development and analytics. He has supported major safety initiatives, including safety assessments for runway expansions at Gatwick Airport, as well as airspace change work in the Middle East. He is an active member of the Next Generation Safety Management Systems (NXGN SMS) working group, focusing on emerging risks and airport safety. On behalf of CANSO, he led the development of the ANSP section of the Global Action Plan for the Prevention of Runway Incursions (GAPPRI), the topic that he will be discussing further at the CANSO Global Safety Conference 2025 in Christchurch, New Zealand.
CANSO has developed tools to assist in implementing GAPPRI’s recommendations. How do these resources contribute to proactive runway safety management, and which ones have been particularly effective?
CANSO has developed two key resources to help implement GAPPRI. The first is the Gap Analysis Tool, created in collaboration with IATA. It is a straightforward way for ANSPs to assess their baseline against GAPPRI’s recommendations. The second is the CANSO and ACI Aerodrome Safety Discussion Questionnaire, which addresses runway safety more broadly than just incursions. This questionnaire is currently being revised to align fully with GAPPRI’s guidance.
What key strategies can be adopted by aviation professionals, from controllers to pilots, to foster a more collaborative approach to preventing runway incursions?
Whilst advanced technological safety nets, such as H24 stop bars or a proposed “TCAS on the ground,” can bring significant improvements to airfields, we should also focus on simpler strategies. For example, we can ensure clear communication by using standard phraseologies, encourage the use of memory aids and ensure reporting of incidents and near misses.
In your opinion, what is the most critical step for ANSPs to take to ensure successful implementation of GAPPRI recommendations within their own operations?
I’d say, the most critical step for ANSPs is to begin with a thorough gap analysis, using tools such as the CANSO and IATA Gap Analysis Tool. This is a simple way to get started and will enable ANSPs to identify discrepancies between their current practices and the GAPPRI recommendations. This will then enable ANSPs to focus their resources on the areas that need improvement and embed the plan’s guidance into daily operations.
