What is an Airport Safety Management System (SMS)?

In simple terms, an airport Safety Management System (SMS) is a proactive and organized way to manage safety risks in the air operations area (AOA). It helps identify potential hazards, assess and reduce risks, and continuously improve overall safety.

Key Parts of Our Safety Management System (SMS)

• Safety Policy: Our formal commitment to safety, led by airport leadership and supported by all departments, tenants, partners, and stakeholders. We uphold this commitment through every part of our operations. View the safety policy statement (PDF).
• Safety Risk Management: A process for identifying, analyzing, and reducing airside safety risks.
• Safety Assurance: Ongoing monitoring and evaluation to make sure our safety efforts are effective and working as intended.
• Safety Promotion: Training, clear communication, and teamwork to support a strong safety culture throughout PDX.

Why are we implementing the SMS?

At PDX safety guides everything we do. To strengthen this commitment, we are implementing the SMS—a proactive approach to identifying and managing risks in the air operations area. While SMS is required under FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 139, Subpart E), our goal is to go beyond compliance and build a strong, collaborative safety culture that protects everyone who works at or travels through PDX.

How PDX Employees Can Help Keep the Airport Safe

Everyone who works at PDX plays a part in maintaining a safe airport. If you notice a potential safety concern in the AOA, please reach out to our SMS team at SMS@flypdx.com.

In the near future, we’ll be launching a confidential* hazard reporting system, making it even easier to share safety concerns.

Every report is reviewed and helps us improve how we operate. Your input is essential to keeping PDX safe for everyone.

* Except as required by Oregon Public Records Law or other applicable law.