Kenya Airways Becomes World's First Airline To Use New Safety Tool

Kenya Airways (KQ) has become the first airline globally to implement the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) newly introduced Aviation Safety Culture Survey (I-ASC) Light, a tool designed to strengthen safety performance through enhanced safety culture.

I-ASC Light, a streamlined module of IATA’s broader I-ASC programme, is an automated survey that assesses nine key drivers of safety culture. It delivers detailed quantitative and qualitative insights by function and organisational level, accompanied by expert analysis to guide targeted improvements.

According to a statement by IATA obtained by Viral Tea, the initiative aligns with the IATA Safety Leadership Charter, to which Kenya Airways and more than 150 other carriers have formally committed. 

The Charter emphasises cultivating a positive safety culture to bolster safety performance by encouraging open reporting, promoting learning, managing safety risks proactively, and fostering employee trust and engagement.

“Safety is our priority. It is ingrained in everything we do and is fostered through a culture of continuous improvement. I-ASC Light proved to be a valuable tool, allowing us to pinpoint key areas for improvement in a clear and structured way,” said Allan Kilavuka, Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways.

He noted that during World Safety Day in April, the airline shared the I-ASC survey results across the organisation, with each member of senior management signing individual safety charters in line with Kenya Airways’ 2024 commitment to the IATA Safety Leadership Charter.

Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, commended the airline’s pioneering role:

“The accessibility of I-ASC Light helps airline management teams quickly identify where to focus their efforts in fostering a robust safety culture. As the global pioneer in adopting the new I-ASC version, Kenya Airways is enabling concrete actions to fulfil its commitment under the IATA Safety Leadership Charter and to build a stronger safety culture throughout the airline,” he said.

Why It Matters

The introduction of IATA’s new Aviation Safety Culture Survey (I-ASC) Light is significant because it gives airlines a structured and practical way to strengthen their safety culture. In aviation, safety culture is critical — it ensures that staff at every level feel confident to report issues, learn from mistakes, and manage risks proactively. Without a positive safety culture, even the best technical systems can fail.

I-ASC Light makes it easier for airlines to measure their safety culture using an automated survey that focuses on nine key safety drivers. This approach provides both numerical data and detailed feedback, helping airlines understand exactly where they need to improve, whether at the frontline or management level. It replaces guesswork with clear evidence, making it simpler for airline leaders to act on safety priorities.

Additionally, I-ASC Light supports the goals of the IATA Safety Leadership Charter, which over 150 airlines have signed. By using a common tool, airlines can better track their progress and maintain high global standards for safety culture. This is crucial because a strong safety culture builds trust with passengers and helps prevent accidents, protecting both lives and reputations.

Ultimately, I-ASC Light is about more than compliance. It empowers airlines to create an open, reliable, and safety-focused environment, ensuring that everyone — from senior managers to operational staff — is working together to keep aviation as safe as possible.

KQ's implementation of the system comes amidst the airline officially launching flights from JKIA to London Gatwick (LGW) on Wednesday, July 2. The highly anticipated inaugural flight, KQ 108, departed Nairobi at 23:45 EAT, signifying a new era of enhanced connectivity between Kenya and the United Kingdom (UK).

In its statement, KQ remarks that this strategic addition increases its London frequency to 10 weekly flights, offering passengers unparalleled choice and convenience for travel to and from the UK. Gatwick Airport now serves as Kenya Airways' second entry point into London, complementing the existing services to Heathrow Airport (LHR).

The new Gatwick service will operate three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with flights departing Nairobi at night. This schedule is designed to seamlessly integrate with and enhance the existing London services.

Read also: Kenya Airways Announces New Nairobi-London Direct Flight [SCHEDULES]

L-R: Deputy British High Commissioner to Kenya. Dr. Ed Barnett, Principal Secretary (PS) for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika, Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, Kenya Airways CEO and MD, Allan Kilavuka, Pilot- Captain, Irene Koki Mutungi and First Officer - Stephen Migire during the official launch of Nairobi to London Gatwick flights on July 2, 2025. /KENYA AIRWAYS