ICAO has introduced importance updates to Annex 19 and the Safety Intelligence Manual (SIM), with new guidance in the Safety Management Manual (SMM) expected soon — setting a new global benchmark for data-driven, performance-based aviation safety management.
ICAO Annex 19 – Strengthened Safety Management Requirements
In 2025, ICAO adopted important updates to Annex 19 to promote a more integrated, proactive approach to aviation safety management.
The new provisions, introduced under Amendment 2 to Annex 19, will become applicable from November 2026. These amendments place greater emphasis on strengthening State Safety Programmes (SSP), enhancing the role and effectiveness of Safety Management Systems (SMS), and fostering a data-driven safety culture across the global aviation system.
The changes affect aviation authorities, regulators, air navigation service providers, airlines, airports, maintenance organisations, and other service providers — all of whom will need to review their current practices and ensure full compliance with the updated international safety standards.
Safety Intelligence Manual (SIM) – A New Focus on Safety Data and Insights
ICAO has introduced a brand-new Safety Intelligence Manual (Doc 10159), designed to help aviation regulators and organisations effectively collect, analyse, and act upon safety data and intelligence.
The revised manual promotes a range of analysis techniques suitable to a range of organisations of all sizes and capabilities, encouraging regulatory bodies to adopt more informed, intelligence-led safety decision-making processes.
The SIM is particularly relevant to data processors and analysts, regulators, and anyone involved in developing or overseeing an organisation’s safety performance.
Updated Safety Management Manual (SMM) – Practical Guidance for Implementation
The revised 5th edition of the ICAO Safety Management Manual (Doc 9859) is expected to provide updated practical guidance on implementing the enhanced requirements of Annex 19.
It should offer a clearer framework for SMS and SSP, improved examples of best practice, and guidance on integrating human and organisational factors into safety management.
The SMM is essential reading for safety and compliance teams, accountable managers, senior leadership, and anyone with a role in shaping or delivering an effective safety management strategy.