Dunedin Airport has been highlighted in a prestigious list of global airport safety rankings, leading New Zealand's airports.
While investigating professional development opportunities to further his knowledge of Airport Operations and Safety, Dunedin Airport’s Head of Safety and Compliance, Glenn Knipe, discovered the ACI-ICAO Airport Safety Professional (ASP) programme. After extensive research, it showed the learnings would give Knipe the tools and knowledge to make Dunedin Airport a leader in airport safety by further aligning with the ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS).
Fast forward two years and Knipe Knipe has achieved the internationally recognised ACI ICAO Airport Safety Professional (ASP) designation, received upon completing this premier global programme. Rather remarkably, Knipe is the only airport safety professional in New Zealand to achieve this. The programme can take up to three years to complete; however, Knipe managed to achieve this in just two years.
Through this outstanding achievement, Knipe joins the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Operational Safety Committee (ROSC), responsible for promoting airport operational best practices and advocating for airport operators on issues related to aerodrome safety. He is now one of only two members from Australasia (the other from Perth) on the Committee whose members span the globe.
The ASP designation also recognises Knipe as an airport safety subject matter expert and provides eligibility to serve as an ACI Airport Excellence (APEX) programme assessor.
Through Knipe’s appointment to the ROSC, Dunedin Airport is acknowledged as the first New Zealand Airport to nominate a representative and actively participate in the global improvement of safety at airports. Committee membership gives Dunedin Airport an opportunity to have real input into the identification and preparation of airport operational safety best practices and promote these practices within New Zealand and the greater APAC and MID region.
“Dunedin Airport reaching this milestone as the first airport in New Zealand to have an Airport Safety Professional graduate through the Global ACI-ICAO Airport Safety Professional (ASP) Designation Program reflects a strong commitment to advancing aviation safety and operational excellence,” said ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci.
“The ASP Program recognises aviation professionals who demonstrate expertise in ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, excellence in airport operations, and a strong commitment to ACI industry best practices.”
Reflecting on the experience, Knipe said the class had quite the international line up with participants from countries including Ghana, Jordan, United Kingdom, USA, UAE, Spain and Singapore. It was an invaluable opportunity to make connections within the aviation industry globally and share knowledge and stories.
Knipe was often burning the midnight oil as online classes were not compatible with his regular office hours. As well as tutor-led classes, the course work included individual study outside the class, group work, and presentations.
It was interesting to hear what Knipe’s best takeaways were from his studies. “We’re already doing a lot of what we should be doing. Best practice has been (and is being) developed from years of experience, and development by international experts in the industry. These practices continue to evolve for airports to utilise. It is a highly knowledgeable industry.”
Knipe’s learnings have helped develop his strategic thinking around airport safety and risk. “We’re moving from a technical approach to health and safety management, to focusing on how we can integrate safety into the airport’s wider business strategy, building intelligence led health and safety, and further mature the airport’s health and safety culture.”
Some of the improved skills being implemented into the airport include improved risk management, identifying risk alert levels through trend analysis, and aerodrome-specific inspections and audits.
Knipe is a member of the Southern Airports Health and Safety Group, and the New Zealand Airports Safety Group and his learnings and training will be shared across both organisations.
Dunedin Airport CEO Daniel De Bono was excited for the future following Knipe’s achievement.
“We once again confirm Dunedin as a city of firsts, with Knipe being the first person in New Zealand to receive the notable ACI-ICAO Airport Safety Professional designation, and Dunedin Airport now becoming the first New Zealand airport to be represented on the ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East Regional Operational Safety Committee,” said De Bono.
To attain this designation in a shortened timeframe, while still managing the day-to-day safety and compliance responsibilities of the airport, deserves to be highlighted and celebrated. The knowledge and international connections Knipe has gained are excellent resources for Dunedin Airport. From the little airport that could, we are proud to contribute and lead among the giants of the global airport sector.”
Knipe’s achievement was recently acknowledged by ACI-ICAO and he is deservedly proud of this accomplishment.
“It feels fantastic. To receive international recognition of the hard mahi put in to becoming an Airport Safety Professional is incredible. The program enhanced my knowledge of airside operational safety and trained me in new systems and processes to proactively lead health and safety at Dunedin Airport and ensure continuous improvement of our culture.”
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