Effect of Airport Ground Operations Management on Aviation Safety Performance in Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to examine the role played by airport ground operations management on aviation safety performance in Kenya. The independent variables of the study were; aircraft apron movement control and aircraft refueling procedures whereas the dependent variable is aviation safety performance. Underpinning theory is risk management theory. Explanatory research design was used, the target population comprised of 258 airport ground operations crew working for five domestic airline companies operating from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenya. A census of all the 258 staff attached to four different departments was carried out. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data, they were administered in person and use of research assistants. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis techniques were used for data analysis. The findings from the study revealed that aircraft apron movement control had a significant influence on aviation safety performance of the selected domestic airline companies in Kenya (β = 0.220; P=0.000).  Additionally, aircraft fueling procedures was found to significantly influence the aviation safety performance Kenya (β = 0.616; P=0.000<0.05). The study concluded that failure to fully embrace airport ground operations protocol had a hand on compromised aviation safety of selected domestic airline companies in Kenya. The study recommends the need for management to uphold employee development and employee safety as a way of promoting employee performance thus steering organizational performance. These findings emphasize the critical role that effective ground handling practices play in enhancing aviation safety.