safety management system implementation and barriers in iranian aviation: a structured review and roadmap

The aviation industry depends on robust safety management systems (sms) to manage complex operational risks and prevent accidents. this review synthesizes the historical evolution of aviation safety, core sms concepts, and practical implementation mechanisms, with emphasis on the four pillars of sms: safety policy, safety risk management, safety assurance, and safety promotion. it links accident causation theory (swiss cheese model) to sms mechanisms that address latent conditions, clarifies distinctions between proactive and predictive safety approaches, and provides practical examples of each. focusing on the islamic republic of iran, it examines regulatory developments, implementation barriers, and presents a pragmatic roadmap for integrating sms into national aviation operations. key recommendations include structured gap analysis, capacity building, improved safety data systems, and alignment with icao annex 19. limitations and avenues for future research are discussed.