Air transport plays an essential role in Finland’s comprehensive security as part of transport chains. For the aviation system, this means maintaining preparedness and fostering active cooperation between civil and military aviation authorities and aviation stakeholders. This approach ensures the continuity of air transport with a high level of safety and security, regardless of the unexpected developments our operating environment may present.
The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom has updated the Finnish Aviation Safety Programme (FASP). The revised programme reflects the topical themes of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Assembly in autumn 2025 as well as the European Aviation Safety Programme and related strategies.
Focus on multidimensional preparedness and risk management
Key changes in the update include placing strong emphasis on preparedness and aviation security. Aviation cybersecurity and unmanned aviation are included as programme domains among others and are now established as part of normal operations.
Authorities and aviation stakeholders are responsible for safety management in accordance with their respective roles. “Aviation organisations carry significant responsibility for the safety of their own operations. Aviation authorities are responsible for carrying out their statutory tasks efficiently and competently so that the work brings added value to safety,” says Jarkko Saarimäki, Director-General of Traficom.
Comprehensive safety work across different aviation domains ensures that risks remain under control. “This work cannot be carried out in isolation, detached from developments in the operating environment. Instead, it must be integrated into everyday activities across all domains of aviation,” notes Jari Pöntinen, Director-General of Civil Aviation at Traficom.
Updated safety programme reflects changes in the security environment
The Finnish Aviation Safety Programme sets out Finland’s aviation safety policy, strategic safety objectives and a description of the responsibilities, regulatory framework, structures and functions of aviation safety management in Finland.
The update also incorporates key strategies related to or affecting aviation at global, EU and national level, including the climate objectives set for the aviation sector.
A seamless and continuous cooperation across the sector underpins safety activities and strengthens the safety and the security of Finnish aviation even in unexpected situations. “Active dialogue between aviation stakeholders and authorities is essential for managing aviation risks and continually developing practices within both authorities and aviation organisations. Joint events, such as the annual Aviation Safety Forum, are important opportunities for such interaction,” says Heli Koivu, Chief Adviser.
The English translation of The Finnish Aviation Safety Programme, version 9.0 will be published soon on Traficom`s English FASP-pages via this link https://www.traficom.fi/en/liikenne/ilmailu/suomen-ilmailun-turvallisuusohjelma (External link)
Enquiries
Jari Pöntinen, Director-General of Civil Aviation, jari.pontinen@traficom.fi, tel. +358 29 534 6071
Heli Koivu, Chief Adviser, FASP Coordinator, heli.koivu@traficom.fi, tel. +358 29 534 6200