In the world of civil aviation, we´ve often talked about security issues, which are essential for air traffic to be both efficient and reliable. Moreover, in addition to the numerous technologies and improvements that are implemented, there are a number of organizations that are responsible for controlling, auditing and supervising that everything works as it should. In this article we are going to talk about one of them: the State Agency for Air Safety (AESA).
What is AESA?
AESA is a state entity under the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility; specifically, its Secretary of State. Its main objective is to ensure that civil aviation regulations are complied with within the aeronautical activity that operates in our country.
Mission, Vision and Values
The State Agency for Air Safety must supervise, inspect and organize air transport and air navigation, as well as ensure safety at airports. Consequently, it has the ability to sanction those who violate civil aviation regulations, and also to assess possible risks in this area. The aim of the AESA is to be a European benchmark, adding safety, quality and sustainability to a civil aviation system in which all the parties involved row in the same direction.
This agency, in addition to monitoring compliance with safety regulations in air transport, promotes the application of legislation in the sector, both national and international, with regard to air safety and passenger protection. In our country, not only national aeronautical laws are considered, but also those from the EU and those promoted by supranational bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organisations (ICAO).
Among the objectives of this agency is also the protection of the rights of civil aviation users and professionals, and to promote air transport that is not only safe and efficient, but also “of quality, respectful of the environment, accessible and fluid.”
Objectives of the State Agency for Air Safety
Preservation of air transport safety according to the principles, rules and regulations in force in the civil aviation sector.
Promotion of the development and implementation of national and international aeronautical standards and their procedures, especially in terms of air safety and user protection.
Promotion of a culture of civil aviation safety in all its areas.
Protection and defence of the interests of users, in pursuit of the development of air transport that is effective, efficient, safe, accessible, sustainable, fluid and of quality.
Development of the powers assigned to this agency, focusing on the needs of civil aviation in terms of its quality, competitiveness, effectiveness and efficiency.
A Little History
When was AESA founded and why? Its origins date back to 1939, when civil aviation began to be organised and controlled in our country. At that time, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) was created, whose mission was to organise and coordinate the activities of the sector, as well as register aircraft, grant permits, licences and authorizations for this type of activity and everything related to the legislation and regulation of air navigation, a world that, at that time, was taking its first steps.
The DGAC still exists: it has strategic powers in the development of the sector, directs the aeronautical policy established by the Government, coordinates the actions of the various organizations (such as AESA), etc. But in 2006, the so-called Law of State Agencies for the improvement of public services was approved, with a call for a public organisation that enjoyed greater autonomy.
AESA and ENAIRE: What Does Each Entity Do?
The aforementioned law provided for the creation of AESA, which was given the following functions: “To organise, supervise and inspect the safety of air transport and of air navigation systems and airport security with respect to inspection and control of aeronautical products, air activities and aeronautical personnel. As well as for the functions of detection, analysis and evaluation of the safety risks in this mode of transport.”
This agency was formally established in October 2008. Among the reasons that finally led to its creation: contributing to economic activity, development of the tourist industry, and the job creation. It had been noted that, during the two previous decades (the 90s and the first of the 2000s) air traffic had tripled in Spain, and this implied not only a growth in purchasing power, but also in the aeronautical industry and tourism.
AESA’s powers were redistributed once again in 2023, within the framework of the Single European Sky: while it assumed powers such as the design of airspace, the assessment of the environmental impact of airport projects or the monitoring of compliance with regulations on noise and greenhouse gas emissions, ENAIRE (previously known as AENA) was responsible for air traffic control, as well as all the information and communication, navigation and surveillance networks that are needed for the aircraft of the different companies to navigate safely, efficiently and smoothly through our airspace.
Which Entities Audit AESA?
As you know, civil aviation is a highly competent sector in terms of safety, which is why each of its bodies in turn answers to others. To whom does AESA answer?
To the aforementioned ICAO.
To the European Commission.
To EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency).
To Eurocontrol (European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation).