This course aims to help learners understand how safety practices contribute to sustainable aviation. Learners will: 

•  Recognize causes and trends in aviation accidents and incidents. 
• Understand how human factors and safety management systems contribute to long-term sustainability. 
• Identify how technology, automation, and data analytics support safer and more efficient aviation operations. 
• Explore ICAO’s Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) and its connection to sustainability. 

Course Description

This online course explores the relationship between aviation safety and sustainability, emphasizing how proactive safety management supports the environmental, social, and economic resilience of the global air transport system. Participants study when and why most accidents occur, how human factors are addressed through modern safety management systems, and how technologies such as big data and automation improve overall safety. The course also introduces ICAO’s Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) and examines how safety considerations influence the adoption of new aircraft designs and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Interactive activities illustrate how safety practices reinforce sustainability outcomes and how sustainable approaches contribute to safer aviation systems.

This course is included in the Aviation Sustainability online training programme and may also be taken individually. For a foundation in aviation sustainability concepts, learners are encouraged—but not required—to complete Aviation Sustainability: Introduction to Aviation Sustainability before beginning this course.

• Recognize causes and trends in aviation accidents and incidents.

• Understand how human factors and safety management systems contribute to long-term sustainability.

• Identify how technology, automation, and data analytics support safer and more efficient aviation operations.

• Explore ICAO’s Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) and its connection to sustainability.

Course Structure

1. Overview of Global Accident Trends

2. Human Factors and Safety Management Systems

3. Big Data, Automation, and Predictive Safety Tools

4. Risk Management and New Technologies (SAF, Aircraft Testing)

5. ICAO’s Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP)

6. Final Exam

 Evaluation and certification

• Final Exam: 80% Grade mark/ 3 attempts 
• Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive ICAO’s e-Certificate. 

All aviation professionals seeking to develop a baseline understanding of sustainability as it applies to civil aviation, including airline, airport, and regulatory personnel, as well as professionals transitioning into aviation from other industries. No previous background or experience in sustainability is required.

Students, educators, consultants, and support-service providers who wish to understand sustainability principles within aviation operations.