NAPLES AIRPORT by Chris Rozansky, Executive Director, Naples Airport Authority

NAPLES AIRPORT Soars to New Heights with Safety Commitment receiving Statewide, National, and International Recognition

While the Naples Airport is renowned for its industry-leading customer service and attention to detail, it is the organization-wide commitment to safety that truly sets us apart in the industry. Recognized statewide, nationally, and internationally, the Naples Airport has created a culture of safety at the heart of everything that we do: safety for our employees, customers, and community.

In 2022, we unveiled our new Safety Management System (SMS) Plan, the culmination of more than two years of research and development, which was completed more than a year before the FAA announced a requirement for airports to do so. Recognizing that safety is the primary responsibility of every employee, tenant, and business, the SMS Plan aims to create and nurture a culture of safety by identifying, evaluating, and mitigating potential safety issues before they become an incident. This plan has resulted in increased awareness and ownership of safety related issues throughout the organization.

While safety remains every individual’s priority and responsibility, the Safety Action Team headed by Tom Herman (TOP PHOTO) our safety officer, leads the way on the issue of safety by setting standards, introducing training, and proactively speaking with employees, pilots, and passengers to ensure that all voices are heard, and any issues are immediately addressed.

This increased emphasis on safety has been widely recognized and awarded by national regulatory organizations and industry groups. In 2022, the Naples Airport won the FAA Southern Region Safety Award for our Comprehensive Wildlife Management Program. This was the second time that the Naples Airport has won this award, despite being in a region that includes every airport in 10 states and territories.

This FAA award is given to Naples for actively taking steps to improve aircraft safety while reducing the chance of injury to our local wildlife including bald eagles, coyotes, and other native species by removing attractants that potentially put the animals in harm’s way.

Additionally, Naples Aviation, our Fixed Base Operator (FBO) has earned several prestigious certifications from national organizations in recognition of our commitment to safety and operational excellence. Our FBO is one of over 3,700 in the nation and is responsible for all activities and services involving arriving and departing aircraft.

The International Business Aviation Council named Naples Aviation as one of only 54, to receive their IS-BAH Stage 1 Certification. Everest Fuel has awarded Naples Aviation with its S.A.F.E. accreditation in recognition of our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in aviation. ARGUS also recently recognized Naples Aviation as the only FBO in North America to receive the ARGUS Pro rating, based on a commitment to safety, training, and operational excellence.

As an organization, everyone at the Naples Airport is incredibly proud of the role that we play in the community from an economic, historic, and philanthropic standpoint, but we take extra pride in ensuring that everything we accomplish is done with safety at the forefront of everyone’s mind. As we look toward the future of the airport and our community, that commitment to safety is stronger than ever, and I am confident that it will continue to be a guiding principle of our organization’s culture of excellence.

Want to learn more about the Naples Airport? For a tour of the airport, or to arrange for a speaker at your group’s next meeting, call (239) 643-0733.