Meeting the Brief - how Gold Coast Airport responded to International Standards

Gold Coast Airport: Leading the Way in Traveller Safety with PlanSafe

In the high-stakes environment of airport operations, safety is not just a priority, it’s a non-negotiable. As global standards for airport evacuation and emergency preparedness evolve, Gold Coast Airport (GCA) has emerged as a standout example of how innovation, training, and technology can meet to protect travellers and staff alike.

Meeting the Challenge of Modern Airport Safety

According to Airports International, effective airport evacuation requires a dynamic, multi-layered approach. From identifying the nature of an incident to managing communication, evacuation routes, and the needs of vulnerable individuals, the complexity is immense.

Airports must be prepared to adapt evacuation protocols in real time, ensure seamless inter-agency coordination, and maintain clear, accessible communication with passengers.

Gold Coast Airport has embraced these challenges through its partnership with Locatrix and the implementation of the PlanSafe platform which is a comprehensive online safety induction and emergency management system tailored to the airport’s unique operational environment.

PlanSafe in Action: A Model of Operational Excellence

Since adopting PlanSafe in 2017, GCA has transformed its approach to emergency preparedness. With over 800 aircraft movements daily and 126,000 passengers weekly, the airport’s safety demands are significant. PlanSafe enables GCA to deliver site-specific training that is accessible, engaging, and efficient, ensuring that all staff, contractors, and even retail partners are equipped to respond confidently in an emergency.

Terminal Manager Alexandra Cross, a 20-year veteran at GCA, described the shift: “Prior to PlanSafe, managing training and drills was a logistical nightmare. Now, we can ensure consistent, high-quality training across all shifts and roles, reducing the risk of human error and improving overall readiness”.

Tailored Training for Complex Environments

GCA’s infrastructure includes terminals, hangars, and administrative buildings, each with distinct emergency procedures. PlanSafe’s ability to deliver role and site-specific training ensures that personnel are prepared for the exact scenarios they may face. This aligns with best practices outlined by emergency management experts, who stress the importance of flexible, scenario-based planning and training.

Moreover, PlanSafe integrates seamlessly with GCA’s Learning Management System, allowing real-time tracking of training completion and compliance. Over 4,000 assessments have been completed since implementation, each taking under 30 minutes, this efficiency would be impossible to achieve through traditional face-to-face training.

Continuous Improvement and Collaboration

During GCA’s major expansion from 2019 to 2022, Locatrix played a critical role as Fire Safety Advisor, updating emergency plans and training materials in real time. This proactive approach ensured that every phase of the expansion maintained the highest safety standards, even as the airport’s footprint and complexity grew.

Annual fire drills, observed by Locatrix, provide further opportunities for refinement, all demonstrating GCA’s commitment to continuous improvement and adherence to evolving safety protocols.

Empowering People, Enhancing Safety

Perhaps most importantly, PlanSafe empowers GCA’s people. From security staff to airline contractors, individuals are trained to Warden level, ensuring broad coverage and rapid response capability across the airport’s extended operational hours. This empowerment is key to managing the unpredictable nature of emergencies, where every second counts.

Conclusion: A Blueprint for the Future

Gold Coast Airport’s implementation of PlanSafe is more than a compliance measure, it’s a strategic investment in safety, resilience, and operational excellence. By aligning with global best practices and leveraging cutting-edge technology, GCA has set a new benchmark for how airports can keep travellers safe in an increasingly complex world.

As airports worldwide seek to enhance their emergency preparedness, Gold Coast Airport stands as a shining example of what’s possible when innovation meets dedication.

To read the case study for Gold Coast Aiport, follow this link.