ICAO COMPLIANCE: REFINING AIRPORT LEADERSHIP IN AVIATION POLICY-MAKING

The Airports Company of Zimbabwe (Private) Limited (ACZ) is taking decisive action to align its operations with global aviation standards. In a move underscoring a commitment to international compliance and enhanced safety, the company’s Executive, Management, and Board Members have embarked on a critical four-day strategic training program at the Rainbow Towers Hotel, running from October 7 to October 10, 2025. This high-level engagement is focused intensely on refining airport leadership in aviation policy-making.

The training is being facilitated by ACI World (Airports Council International), the global trade representative of the world’s airports, and led by the renowned Aviation Developer, Mr. Marttijs (Matty) Smith. The attendance of top brass—including Board Chairman Adv. T. Muhonde, Vice Board Chairperson Dr. S. Gwatidzo, and CEO Mr. T. Gusha—signals that safety and regulatory excellence are now strategic priorities driven from the very top of the organization.

This strategic deep-dive directly addresses the imperative for high-level management and board oversight to be fully aligned with international civil aviation policy frameworks. The emphasis on robust policy-making for airport leadership is a tangible commitment to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s global objectives for safety, security, and efficiency.

A core focus of the program is the governance structure required to effectively implement the holistic, performance-based approaches mandated in areas such as the Safety Management System (SMS) framework, as outlined in ICAO Annex 19. Annex 19 mandates that service providers, including airport operators, proactively manage safety risks through a systematic and integrated approach. Its four pillars—Safety Policy, Risk Management, Safety Assurance, and Safety Promotion—require a comprehensive organizational strategy to be successful. By strengthening strategic policy formulation at the apex, ACZ is ensuring its safety culture is not merely a compliance checklist but an operational philosophy that permeates every layer of the organization.

Effective strategic leadership in aviation has a direct and profound impact on operational outcomes. Industry studies suggest that strong leadership can reduce the risk of major aviation safety incidents by up to 70% through improved command, crisis response, and a robust risk culture. Leaders who are strategically trained are better equipped to:

1. Allocate Resources: Prioritize funding for crucial safety technology, infrastructure upgrades, and continuous employee training.
2. Foster a Just Culture: Create an environment where employees are encouraged to report hazards and concerns without fear of reprisal, leading to proactive risk mitigation.
3. Ensure Oversight: Continuously monitor SMS effectiveness and compliance with international regulations, a key component of Safety Assurance.

Furthermore, the training reinforces the continuous improvement principles of the ICAO Training Development Guide (Doc 9941), ensuring that ACZ’s human resources remain competent and aligned with evolving global best practices.

By investing in this high-level policy training with ACI World, ACZ is demonstrating a clear roadmap for enhancing its standing in the global air traffic network. Improved compliance and a demonstrably strong safety culture are essential for attracting international airlines and enhancing passenger confidence. This strategic investment positions Zimbabwe’s airports to not only meet but exceed ICAO’s expectations, paving a strategic flight path toward sustained operational excellence and regional leadership in airport services. The program is set to conclude on Thursday, with expectations of a renewed, globally-aligned corporate strategy for the Airports Company of Zimbabwe.