ANSP SMS Success with SMS Pro: A Case Study

The Challenge: Safety Management in Complex ANSP Operations

SkyNav Services, based in a regional aviation hub, managed air traffic control for 10 airports and 50,000 annual aircraft movements. With 150 employees, including 80 air traffic controllers and 30 technical staff, SkyNav ensured safe and efficient airspace operations. Despite its critical role, SkyNav’s SMS struggled to meet ICAO Annex 19 and national regulatory requirements, posing risks to compliance and safety. The following challenges were critical barriers for the safety team:

• Inconsistent Safety Reporting: SkyNav’s hazard identification process relied on manual forms and disparate digital systems, resulting in only 8–10 safety reports monthly. Controllers often failed to report incidents like runway incursions or communication errors due to time constraints, leaving safety gaps unaddressed.
• Audit Compliance Struggles: Preparing for ICAO and national audits was labor-intensive. The four-person safety team spent weeks compiling operational and safety records, frequently uncovering documentation inconsistencies. A 2023 audit flagged deficiencies in risk assessment processes, risking regulatory penalties.
• Resource Limitations: With a focused safety staff, SkyNav struggled to implement proactive risk management. Safety tasks competed with air traffic management priorities, leaving little time for trend analysis or controller training, weakening compliance efforts.
• Fragmented Data Systems: Safety data was scattered across multiple platforms, including spreadsheets and legacy systems, hindering effective performance monitoring. This fragmentation obscured trends, such as a 10% increase in airspace conflict risks in 2022, which went unnoticed until a near-miss incident.

These challenges threatened SkyNav’s compliance, safety, and ability to maintain reliable air navigation services. As highlighted in our blog on ICAO safety risk assessment, ANSPs require integrated systems to manage complex safety demands effectively.

"Our safety processes were fragmented and couldn’t keep up with our operational demands. We needed a unified solution," said David Patel, SkyNav’s Safety Manager.

The Solution: SMS Pro’s ANSP-Optimized Framework

In September 2024, SkyNav partnered with SMS Pro, a cloud-based aviation SMS software designed for complex operations like ANSPs. SMS Pro’s robust features, scalability, and user-friendly interface addressed SkyNav’s operational and regulatory needs. Implementation unfolded over three months, starting with a gap analysis, followed by staff training, and concluding with a full rollout by December 2024. Below are the key solutions SMS Pro provided:

Streamlined Safety Reporting

SMS Pro’s confidential reporting system transformed SkyNav’s safety reporting process. Air traffic controllers and technical staff could submit reports via mobile devices or desktops, with an intuitive interface that reduced submission time to under 2 minutes. Anonymous reporting options boosted trust, encouraging broader participation. By February 2025, monthly safety reports increased by 50%, from 10 to 15 on average, aligning with strategies in our blog on developing hazard reporting systems.

Efficient Audit Compliance

The auditing system automated compliance tasks, offering ICAO Annex 19-compliant templates. Centralized record-keeping and real-time audit trails eliminated documentation gaps, cutting preparation time by 60%, from four weeks to ten days. This efficiency enabled SkyNav to pass its 2024 ICAO audit with zero findings, strengthening its regulatory standing.

Comprehensive Training Programs

SMS Pro’s training system delivered online modules tailored to ANSP roles, covering airspace safety, communication protocols, and risk assessment. Over 90% of SkyNav’s staff completed initial training within six weeks, with automated recurrent training schedules ensuring compliance. This education strengthened the safety culture, as controllers felt empowered to report hazards, a practice reinforced in our blog on building safety training libraries.

Actionable Data Insights

The risk management system provided real-time analytics and customizable dashboards. By aggregating data from safety reports, air traffic logs, and system performance records, SMS Pro identified trends, such as recurring communication errors, which were reduced by 35% through enhanced controller protocols. These insights enabled SkyNav to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and make data-driven decisions, enhancing safety and efficiency.

SMS Pro’s role-based access ensured that safety managers, controllers, and executives had tailored system views, improving usability while maintaining security. The cloud-based platform required minimal IT investment, aligning with SkyNav’s operational constraints. The value of such a system for ANSPs is supported by our blog on ICAO safety performance monitoring.

"SMS Pro gave us a clear, actionable view of our safety risks. It’s been transformative for our operations," Patel noted.

Results: Redefining ANSP Safety Standards

By March 2025, six months post-implementation, SMS Pro had delivered transformative outcomes for SkyNav Services, setting a new benchmark for ANSP safety:

• Flawless Audit Performance: SkyNav passed its 2024 ICAO audit with zero findings, avoiding penalties and enhancing its regulatory reputation.
• Faster Incident Resolution: Safety issue resolution time dropped by 50%, from 14 days to 7 days, due to automated workflows and real-time alerts.
• Enhanced Safety Culture: Anonymous reporting and training increased participation, with 85% of controllers and staff submitting safety reports by Q1 2025, up from 40%.
• Cost Savings: Automation saved 20 administrative hours weekly, equating to $30,000 in annual labor cost reductions, freeing resources for operational enhancements.
• Operational Excellence: SkyNav improved airspace efficiency by 15%, attracting two new airport clients, adding $2 million in annual revenue, as its robust SMS bolstered its appeal.

These results demonstrate SMS Pro’s ability to deliver measurable value for ANSPs, turning safety challenges into operational strengths. SkyNav’s success highlights the importance of tailored SMS solutions for complex air navigation services.

Key Takeaways for ANSP Safety Managers

SkyNav’s transformation offers actionable insights for ANSPs aiming to enhance their SMS programs:

• Simplify Reporting: Mobile-friendly, anonymous reporting systems boost participation, providing critical safety data.
• Automate Compliance: Tools like SMS Pro’s auditing system streamline ICAO requirements, saving time and ensuring accuracy.
• Prioritize Training: Role-specific training empowers controllers and staff to engage with the SMS, fostering a proactive safety culture.
• Harness Data: Real-time analytics enable trend identification and risk mitigation, enhancing safety and efficiency.

By adopting these strategies, ANSPs can replicate SkyNav’s success, achieving compliance, safety, and operational excellence. SMS Pro’s scalability makes it an ideal solution for air navigation services, as demonstrated by SkyNav’s journey.