Kenya Airways Leads the Way in Aviation Safety Culture with IATA's I-ASC Light
Kenya Airways has taken a significant leap forward in aviation safety, setting a new standard for the industry in Africa and beyond.
Kenya Airways (KQ) has achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the world’s first airline to implement the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s innovative Aviation Safety Culture Survey (I-ASC) Light. This cutting-edge digital tool is designed to meticulously measure and enhance safety culture within aviation organizations, marking a significant advancement for the industry.
Announced on July 3, 2025, this pioneering move underscores KQ’s unwavering dedication to safety and its commitment to the IATA Safety Leadership Charter. The airline’s senior leadership solidified this commitment by signing personalized safety charters during World Safety Day, demonstrating their proactive approach to fostering a robust safety culture.
As the global pioneer of I-ASC Light, Kenya Airways is setting a new benchmark for data-driven safety culture enhancement. This proactive step complements KQ’s already impressive safety record, which includes consistent IOSA registration and an active role in promoting sustainability through IATA’s Integrated Sustainability Program (ISP), launched in Nairobi in May 2025.
The I-ASC Light program offers a streamlined, cost-effective approach to assessing and improving safety culture. It provides an automated digital survey platform that evaluates nine key safety culture drivers, delivering both quantitative scores and qualitative insights. This data-driven approach allows for targeted analysis of strengths and weaknesses, enabling organizations to pinpoint areas for improvement and track progress over time.
The program also facilitates internal benchmarking and provides expert guidance to support leadership in making informed, data-driven decisions. Its accessibility and resource efficiency make it a practical solution for airlines of all sizes, empowering them to prioritize safety culture without significant financial burdens.
Kenya Airways’ adoption of I-ASC Light aligns perfectly with its broader commitment to safety and operational excellence. The airline has consistently maintained a strong safety record, achieving top safety ratings and remaining incident-free in recent years. This dedication to safety is further reinforced by KQ’s ongoing compliance with international safety standards and its active participation in industry initiatives.
KQ’s pioneering implementation of I-ASC Light is not only a testament to its own commitment to safety but also serves as an inspiration for other African airlines. By embracing this innovative tool, KQ is leading the way in promoting a data-driven approach to safety culture enhancement, setting a new standard for the region and contributing to the overall improvement of aviation safety across the continent.
This latest achievement by Kenya Airways is a significant development for the African aviation industry. It demonstrates the airline’s leadership in adopting cutting-edge safety technologies and its proactive approach to fostering a strong safety culture. As other airlines follow suit, the entire African aviation sector stands to benefit from enhanced safety standards and improved operational performance.
