Lean Six-Sigma in Aviation Safety: An implementation guide for measuring aviation system’s safety performance

Abstract

The paper introduces a conceptual framework that could improve the safety performance measurement process and ultimately the aviation system safety performance. The framework provides an implementation guide on how organisations could design and develop a proactive, measurement tool for assessing and measuring the Acceptable Level of Safety Performance (ALoSP) at sigma (σ) level, a statistical measurement unit. In fact, the methodology adapts and combines quality management tools, a leading indicators programme and Lean-Six Sigma methodology to formally measure and continuously improve a stable and in-control safety management process by reducing safety defects and variability from core organisational processes and objectives. The implementation guide was empirically tested and validated with data collected and analysed within a period of nine months by the safety department of a complex aviation organisation operating a large transport aircraft fleet.