Safety sits at the foundation of everything we do at Dunedin Airport.

From daily airport operations to long-term planning, resilience, and compliance, a safe airport is what allows people, aircraft, businesses, and communities to keep moving with confidence.

That foundation has now been strengthened further, with Dunedin Airport’s Head of Safety and Compliance, Glenn Knipe, achieving the internationally recognised ACI-ICAO Airport Safety Professional designation.

Glenn is the only airport safety professional in New Zealand to achieve this qualification.

The Airport Safety Professional programme is delivered jointly by Airports Council International and the International Civil Aviation Organisation. It recognises aviation professionals who demonstrate strong knowledge of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, airport operations, and global airport safety best practice.

For Glenn, the programme was a chance to build on his existing experience and bring international learning back to Dunedin Airport.

The programme can take up to three years to complete. Glenn achieved it in two, while continuing to manage the day-to-day safety and compliance responsibilities of the airport.

Online classes often took place well outside New Zealand office hours, with participants joining from countries including Ghana, Jordan, the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, and Singapore. Alongside tutor-led classes, the programme included individual study, group work, presentations, and assessments.

Glenn said the programme helped strengthen his strategic approach to airport safety and risk.

“We’re moving from a technical approach to health and safety management, to focusing on how we can integrate safety into the airport’s wider business strategy, building intelligence-led health and safety, and further mature the airport’s health and safety culture.”

Some of the improved skills now being applied at Dunedin Airport include risk management, identifying risk alert levels through trend analysis, and aerodrome-specific inspections and audits.

Glenn’s achievement also means Dunedin Airport is the first New Zealand airport to nominate a representative and actively participate in the ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East Regional Operational Safety Committee.

The committee promotes airport operational best practice and advocates for airport operators on aerodrome safety matters across the region.

Dunedin Airport Chief Executive Daniel De Bono said Glenn’s achievement is an important milestone for both the airport and New Zealand’s aviation sector.

“We once again confirm Dunedin as a city of firsts, with Glenn being the first person in New Zealand to receive the notable ACI-ICAO Airport Safety Professional designation, and Dunedin Airport now becoming the first New Zealand airport to be represented on the ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East Regional Operational Safety Committee.

“To attain this designation in a shortened timeframe, while still managing the day-to-day safety and compliance responsibilities of the airport, deserves to be highlighted and celebrated.

“The knowledge and international connections Glenn has gained are excellent resources for Dunedin Airport. From the little airport that could, we are proud to contribute and lead among the giants of the global airport sector.”

Glenn is also a member of the Southern Airports Health and Safety Group and the New Zealand Airports Safety Group, where his learning and training will be shared with others in the sector.

“It feels fantastic,” Glenn said.

“To receive international recognition of the hard mahi put in to becoming an Airport Safety Professional is incredible. The programme enhanced my knowledge of airside operational safety and trained me in new systems and processes to proactively lead health and safety at Dunedin Airport and ensure continuous improvement of our culture.”

Glenn’s achievement has also been recognised by the Otago Daily Times.

Read the ODT article here

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