Kenya Airways becomes first airline to adopt IATA’s new safety culture survey tool

July 3, 2025 in Companies, Travel & Tourism by Editor

Kenya Airways has become the first airline globally to implement the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) new Aviation Safety Culture Survey Light (I-ASC Light), positioning itself at the forefront of efforts to enhance aviation safety culture through structured, data-driven tools.

I-ASC Light is a newly launched, automated module by IATA that supports airlines in evaluating and strengthening their safety culture by measuring nine core drivers across various functional and organizational levels. The tool delivers both quantitative and qualitative insights, supported by expert analysis, to guide safety improvements.

In a statement released by IATA on July 3, the Geneva-based airlines lobby confirmed Kenya Airways’ pioneering use of the tool, highlighting it as a model for the industry. The move dovetails with the airline’s commitment to the IATA Safety Leadership Charter, a global framework signed by over 150 airlines to foster robust safety cultures through leadership engagement and transparency.

“Safety is our priority. It is ingrained in everything we do and is fostered through a culture of continuous improvement,” said Allan Kilavuka, Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways.
“I-ASC Light enabled us to identify key areas for improvement in a clear and structured way. During World Safety Day in April, we shared the survey results across the airline. Each member of senior management signed personal safety charters to reinforce our collective commitment.”

Kenya Airways signed the IATA Safety Leadership Charter in 2024. The airline used the I-ASC Light results as a springboard to engage teams across departments and operational levels in safety conversations, a move widely seen as boosting accountability and embedding safety as an organizational value.

IATA says the modular nature and accessibility of I-ASC Light make it an efficient tool for airlines to benchmark and enhance their safety culture.

“Kenya Airways’ leadership in deploying I-ASC Light is a clear signal of intent and action,” said Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East.
“Their example shows how the tool can provide immediate insights and enable targeted interventions to meet the safety leadership charter’s goals.”

IATA defines safety culture as the bedrock of effective safety management—supporting transparent reporting, informed risk management, and high employee engagement driven by trust. As airlines navigate increasingly complex operations and technology-driven environments, tools like I-ASC Light are expected to become standard in continuous safety performance improvement.

Kenya Airways’ adoption of I-ASC Light is being viewed as part of a broader commitment to operational excellence, aligning with the airline’s restructuring strategy and its efforts to strengthen competitiveness within the African aviation space. The airline has previously won recognition for its safety record, including IOSA certification and multiple renewals.