The importance of incident management, collaboration and security assurance should not be compromised. The industry needs to continually adapt to ever changing regulations and challenges that the global security environment presents as they look to expand and evolve their operations.

Strengthened security is always an asset, however amidst this; it can also improve operational efficiencies within your organization, improve the relationship between airports, airlines and aviation authorities as well as enhance customer satisfaction.

​By applying the principles from the IATA Security Management System (SeMS) manual, you can enhance your company’s security culture, regulatory collaboration and resource utilization as well as improve overall performance and communication within your organization. It contains security management guidelines on building effective aviation security measures and also covers a range of additional topics including accountabilities and responsibilities assignment, risk assessment, security reporting and improved communication processes.

What's inside SeMS?

  • Management (Corporate Commitment, Security Objectives, Security Communication, Change Management, Provision of Resources)
  • Documentation (Aircraft Operator Security Program, Security Reporting)
  • Aviation Security Quality (Quality Assurance Audits, Quality Control, Security Surveys, Security Tests)
  • Security Risk Management (Security Risk Assessment, Threat Identification and Assessment, Risk Management Process)
  • Additional Guidance (Role of Regulations, Landside Security, Insider Threats, In-flight Theft, Aviation Cyber Security)

 

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Significant Changes and Amendments to the 9th edition (2026) of the IATA Security Management System (SeMS) include:

  • Security Performance Indicators (SePIs) - Newly developed, industry-informed metrics that enable organizations to assess SeMS maturity across critical areas such as Quality Management, Security Reporting, and Documentation.
  • Operational Risk Management Model - New framework that clearly illustrates the connections between Threat Assessment, Risk Assessment, and Risk Monitoring, guiding users step by step through the process.
  • Quality Assurance and Control - Expanded guidance to strengthen oversight of operational security measures and promote consistency across implementation.
  • Security Occurrences and Incidents Reporting – Updated content that aligns reporting categories and processes, with ICAO’s approach, complemented by practical implementation guidance.
  • Security Documentation - Enhanced explanations that clarify the relationships between key documents and regulatory requirements, presented in a comprehensive and accessible format.
  • Case Studies - Newly added examples providing practical insights into SeMS implementation and address challenges posed by the evolving threat landscape.
  • Risk Management in or Near Conflict Zones – Drawing on the IATA Airspace Risk Assessment Guidance, this section offers robust and actionable strategies to mitigate risks associated with operations in or near conflict zones.
  • New Guidelines for Creating Airline Watchlists – Comprehensive guidance on designing and managing watchlists in full compliance with international and national regulatory frameworks.