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Start for freeThe Journey Towards High Reliability in Aviation
In the complex world of aviation, achieving high reliability is paramount, not just for operational success but also for ensuring unparalleled safety standards. Qantas, one of the oldest and most respected airlines globally, is on a transformative journey to enhance its operational and safety protocols to align with the standards of a High Reliability Organisation (HRO).
Understanding High Reliability Organisations (HRO)
An HRO is characterized by its exceptional performance even under challenging conditions, prioritizing aspects such as safety, quality, and reliability. The goal for any aspiring HRO is to develop systems that are not only efficient but also resilient against various operational stresses.
Qantas's Approach to Simplification and Efficiency
Mark from Qantas shares insights on how the airline has evolved over its nearly 100-year history, facing increased complexity that sometimes hinders operational efficiency. The airline's current strategy focuses on simplifying processes to ensure clarity around risk management and control structures. This involves:
- Streamlining processes to enhance efficiency.
- Aligning organizational structures with these streamlined processes.
- Identifying critical controls and metrics for better management of outcomes.
- Implementing a feedback system that promotes continuous improvement.
These steps are crucial in bridging the gap between 'work as imagined' and 'work as done,' thereby fostering both operational and safety excellence across the board.
Empowerment Through Proper Process Alignment
A significant aspect of transforming towards an HRO involves empowering workers by aligning accountability with authority levels. This ensures decisions are made where the expertise lies, thus enhancing both accountability and effectiveness across operations.
Challenges in Maintaining Global Standards
Qantas operates globally, which introduces variability in how safety and quality standards are maintained across different regions with diverse cultures. Managing this diversity requires robust oversight mechanisms and a strong culture of compliance regardless of geographical location. The airline employs stringent vetting processes for external contractors who handle their aircraft maintenance overseas to ensure they meet Qantas's high standards.
Learning from Near-Misses
Qantas places great emphasis on learning from near-misses, treating them with as much seriousness as actual incidents. This proactive approach helps in identifying potential risks before they manifest as real threats. By analyzing these near-misses thoroughly, Qantas can adjust their strategies to prevent future occurrences effectively.
Leadership and Cultural Alignment Across Borders
The leadership at Qantas understands the importance of instilling their core values not just within their operations in Australia but across all global touchpoints. This includes working closely with international contractors to ensure they align with Qantas’s commitment to safety and quality.
The airline’s leadership extends from the boardroom right through to every staff member, creating a cohesive culture that prioritizes safety above all else. This top-down approach ensures that everyone within the organization understands their role in maintaining the high reliability standards set forth by Qantas.
The ongoing efforts by Qantas highlight a comprehensive approach towards becoming an HRO—a journey marked by continuous learning, adaptation, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWWzwM8zJ5M
