What crucial aspect does the Safety Management System focus on?

The Safety Management System (SMS) prioritizes identifying hazards and managing risks systematically. This framework is essential in aviation to ensure a proactive approach to safety. The SMS entails a structured process that involves the collection of safety data, risk assessment, and the implementation of measures that mitigate identified risks. By focusing on hazards and risks, organizations can create a safer operational environment, thus enhancing overall safety in aviation operations.

In contrast, the focus on cost reductions, new designs, or customer service, while important to aviation as a whole, does not encapsulate the primary aim of SMS, which is to systematically manage safety-related issues. The essence of SMS is the continuous process of hazard identification, risk management, and improving the safety culture, making it a critical component of a robust safety framework in aviation.