The APEX Security Program has been completed at Sabiha Gökçen Airport. In the process carried out in cooperation with HEAŞ and ACI World, operational excellence and global security standards were strengthened.
The international programme conducted in collaboration between HEAŞ and ACI World has reached a new threshold in airport security and operational efficiency.
HEAŞ, the operator of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, one of Türkiye’s busiest airports, has successfully completed a process of critical importance in terms of global aviation standards. The Airport Excellence (APEX) – Security Programme conducted by ACI World was concluded after an intensive week-long field study.
Global Experts Gathered in Istanbul
As part of the programme, aviation experts from different regions of the world came together in Istanbul for site inspections and technical evaluations.
Participating experts included Ozan Karakış, Mohammad Nababteh, Saeid Vatankhah, Justin F., Vineet Kumar, Adem Statovci, and Daniel Stepanovic.
Critical Operational Areas Reviewed
Within the scope of the APEX Security Programme, the core components of airport operations were examined in detail. The key areas highlighted during the evaluation process were as follows:
- Airside operations
- Emergency response procedures
- ARFF (Airport Rescue and Firefighting) preparedness
- Wildlife hazard management
- Apron management
“Continuous Improvement” Becomes a Necessity for Competitive Airports
Unlike traditional audit processes, the APEX programme is based on a “peer review” approach. This model enables airports to learn from one another, creating a foundation for collective development across the sector.
For Sabiha Gökçen, the completion of this programme marks a critical step in ensuring the sustainability of security standards, particularly in the face of increasing passenger traffic and operational intensity. Considering Istanbul’s ambition to become a global aviation hub, active participation in such international programmes is gaining even greater strategic importance.
Emphasis on Global Security Standards
Through the APEX programme, ACI World aims to enhance security, operational efficiency, and performance criteria at airports worldwide. The programme’s core approach is to advance industry standards by promoting compliance and disseminating best practices.
The successful completion of this process by HEAŞ represents a significant development in terms of integrating airport management in Türkiye with international norms.
