Civil Aviation

Civil aviation is a broad sector encompassing all air transport operations conducted for general and commercial purposes, excluding military aviation activities. This field includes a wide range of activities, from passenger and cargo transportation to private jet operations, agricultural spraying, and air ambulance services. As one of the fundamental dynamics of the global economy and social mobility, civil aviation plays a critical role in the development of international trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. The sector is continuously shaped by technological innovation, stringent safety standards, and international regulations.

Civil aviation activities are primarily divided into two main categories: commercial aviation and general aviation. Commercial aviation refers to the operations of airlines that transport passengers and cargo via scheduled or non-scheduled flights, while general aviation encompasses a broader spectrum including private flights, business travel, recreational aviation, flight training, and agricultural operations. All these activities are regulated and supervised by competent authorities at both national and international levels.

International and National Regulations

The safe, orderly, and efficient operation of the civil aviation sector is made possible through organizations that establish and enforce global standards. Leading these organizations is International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized agency of the United Nations. ICAO develops the fundamental principles and technical standards of international civil aviation and promotes the planning and advancement of air navigation. Member states integrate the standards and recommended practices set by ICAO into their national legislation.

In Türkiye, the authority to regulate, supervise, and develop civil aviation activities belongs to General Directorate of Civil Aviation (SHGM). SHGM establishes flight safety and aviation security standards, licenses and inspects airlines, airports, and personnel, and issues regulations on matters such as passenger rights. Additionally, the registration and operational regulation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), whose usage has rapidly increased in recent years, falls within the mandate of SHGM. The institution’s UAV Registration System aims to ensure the safe integration of these aircraft into airspace.

Safety and Security Management in Civil Aviation

Safety and security management in civil aviation is a comprehensive set of regulatory and systematic activities designed to ensure that flight operations are conducted reliably, without interruption, and in accordance with international standards. Safety refers to technical, operational, and managerial measures aimed at preventing accidents and incidents, while security encompasses precautions taken against malicious acts, unlawful interference, and threats.

The Safety Management System (SMS), implemented under this framework, is based on ICAO’s Annex 19 and the Safety Management Manual (Doc. 9859). In Türkiye, civil aviation safety is managed by the SHGM (General Directorate of Civil Aviation).

Components of the Safety Management System

The Safety Management System consists of four fundamental components:

1. Safety Policy and Objectives: Defines the organization’s commitments, goals, and organizational responsibilities regarding safety. This includes the appointment of a safety manager and the specification of their duties and authorities.
2. Safety Risk Management: Encompasses the identification of hazards, assessment of risks arising from these hazards, and the development of control measures. Risks must be reduced to an acceptable level according to the ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) principle.
3. Safety Assurance: The ongoing process of monitoring and improving the effectiveness of the SMS. Internal audits, safety performance indicators, and corrective and preventive actions are evaluated under this component.
4. Safety Promotion: Includes initiatives to enhance internal training, communication, reporting culture, and safety awareness. A non-punitive environment that encourages personnel to report without fear is actively promoted.

Hazard Identification and Reporting

In safety management, hazards are identified through reactive (post-event), proactive (pre-event), and predictive (trend analysis) methods. Voluntary and mandatory reporting systems are used in this process. Reports are typically kept confidential and are evaluated not for punitive purposes but to improve the system.

In Türkiye, such reports are submitted to SHGM and assessed under the National Safety Reporting System. Additionally, all incidents are recorded using international classification systems such as the ICAO ADREP format.

Safety Performance Monitoring

Safety performance is monitored through safety objectives, Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs), and Safety Performance Targets (SPTs). Organizations use these indicators to assess their performance levels and implement corrective actions when necessary.

Emergency Response Planning

Under the SMS, organizations develop written Emergency Response Plans that define procedures to be followed during emergencies. These plans include task allocation, communication chains, resource utilization, and post-incident recovery processes. Regular testing and updating of these plans are mandatory.

State Safety Programme (SSP)

ICAO emphasizes that safety must be managed not only at the organizational level but also at the state level. Accordingly, states are required to develop a State Safety Programme (SSP). In Türkiye, this program is implemented by SHGM, and all organizations applying the SMS are supervised under this structure.

Safety Culture

Safety culture refers to the collective commitment of all personnel to prioritize safety as a core value and to act with individual accountability. Developing this culture requires leadership support, open communication, a learning-oriented structure, and a non-punitive reporting environment.

Sustainability and Green Aviation

The civil aviation sector is a significant source of global carbon dioxide (CO₂) and greenhouse gas emissions. While the transport sector as a whole accounts for more than 20% of total emissions, aviation contributes approximately 2–2.5% of this share. This places the sector under increasing pressure to develop sustainability strategies.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has adopted the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To reach this target, key practices include Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), the use of electricity and hydrogen, infrastructure efficiency, and carbon offset programs. The CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) program, developed by ICAO, is implemented on a voluntary basis from 2021 to 2026 and will become mandatory after 2027 to offset carbon emissions from international flights.

SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) is an alternative energy source derived from renewable biological sources. The most commonly used method in SAF production is the HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) process, in which vegetable and waste oils are processed with hydrogen to produce aviation fuel. SAF is three to ten times more expensive than conventional jet fuel, and current regulations permit blending up to 50%.

In Türkiye, airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, SunExpress, and AJet are implementing sustainability initiatives at various levels. Turkish Airlines is developing eco-friendly aircraft fleet investments, waste management, and carbon offset programs under its “Tomorrow On-Board” vision. Pegasus Airlines is implementing SAF usage, electric ground support equipment, and online carbon offset services. SunExpress is taking steps such as reducing cabin equipment weight, minimizing plastic use, and providing sustainability-themed materials for child passengers. AJet, as a newly established company, has announced its sustainability vision but has not yet published a detailed report.

Sustainability initiatives are also widespread at the airport level. In Türkiye, 52 airports are members of the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, which aims to manage airports’ environmental impacts through carbon footprint measurement, reduction, and offset strategies. Green airport practices offer benefits such as emission monitoring, improved efficiency, and access to financial resources.

The European Union’s “Fit for 55” program aims to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030. Operations within the EU airspace are being restructured under the “Single European Sky” project to achieve more efficient and lower-emission flight structures.

Sustainability in civil aviation is not limited to technical measures; it also encompasses multifaceted approaches such as public awareness campaigns, carbon taxation policies, passenger carbon footprint calculations, and eco-friendly service options.