CANSO introduces new safety culture benchmarking programme enabling ANSPs to assess performance share data and improve safety standards

Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) has launched a new Safety Culture Benchmarking Programme aimed at helping air navigation service providers (ANSPs) strengthen safety performance through data-driven insights.

The initiative, developed in collaboration with Austro Control, NAV Canada and consultancy Firstfruits Services, provides a structured framework for assessing safety culture maturity across the industry.

CANSO safety culture benchmarking programme ANSPs strengthen performance

At the core of the programme is a free 16-question employee survey designed to measure key aspects of safety culture. The survey is based on a refined version of EUROCONTROL’s original framework and focuses on four key areas, including open communication, employee engagement and organisational responsibility for safety.

Participating ANSPs will collect and submit data using a standardised format, enabling benchmarking against industry averages. Organisations can also choose to share results with peers for deeper comparative insights.

All data will be managed in line with CANSO’s safety data governance standards, ensuring confidentiality and consistency.

The programme builds on earlier collaborative work between industry partners, which was recognised with the CANSO Safety Achievement Award in 2025.

In addition to the core survey, optional support services are available, including workshops, data analysis and tailored reporting to support decision making.

CANSO aims to use the programme to drive continuous improvement in safety culture, encouraging ANSPs to adopt best practices and achieve higher levels of operational excellence across the global air traffic management sector.