Foundation Unveils Seven Principles of Aviation Safety Leadership

Global engagement campaign to launch at IASS 2025 in Lisbon.

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Flight Safety Foundation today unveiled the "Seven Essential Principles of Aviation Safety Leadership," a practical framework to help aviation organizations embed safety into governance, culture, and strategy — from the boardroom to the front line. Rooted in decades of global research and operational experience, the principles reflect a simple truth: Aviation's remarkable safety record is fragile and demands constant vigilance, with leadership setting the tone for priorities, resources, and behavior.

"Safety isn't sustained by systems alone — it is shaped daily by values, decisions, and behaviors at every level," said Dr. Hassan Shahidi, president and CEO of Flight Safety Foundation. "These seven principles translate leadership into action. When executives walk the talk, integrate safety into strategy, and cultivate a climate of trust and accountability, organizations become more resilient — and accidents become more preventable."

The principles outline what leaders must do to demonstrate commitment to safety; foster a positive just culture built on trust and transparency; clarify accountability and governance; integrate safety into corporate strategy; promote proactive risk management and accident prevention; drive continuous learning and improvement; and communicate, engage, and empower people at all levels.

The Foundation will roll out the principles at the 78th International Aviation Safety Summit (IASS), to be held November 4–6, 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal. The Summit will feature leadership dialogues, case study discussions, and practical takeaways to help organizations put the principles to work immediately. To register, click here to access the IASS 2025 page on the Foundation's website.

To accelerate adoption of the principles, the Foundation is launching a global campaign that engages the entire aviation community and will include webinars, workshops, and polls designed to identify what works, reveal gaps, and develop shared benchmarks.

"Our aim is to make safety leadership visible, measurable, and repeatable," Shahidi said. "By aligning governance, strategy, and day-to-day decision-making with these principles, we can strengthen safety cultures, enhance accountability, and drive risk down across the system."

About Flight Safety Foundation ( flightsafety.org )
Flight Safety Foundation is an independent, nonprofit, international organization engaged in research, education, and communications to improve aviation safety. The Foundation's mission is to connect, influence, and lead global aviation safety.

Media Contact:
Frank Jackman
Director, Communications and Research
+1 703.739.6700, ext. 116
[email protected] 

SOURCE Flight Safety Foundation