The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, the agency that oversees Orlando International Airport, has become the first-ever airport operation to earn full accreditation by the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP).

“Receiving this certification speaks volumes to the dedication and hard work of the Authority’s emergency management team and our partners,” said Phil Brown, the Authority’s Chief Executive Officer. “As the busiest airport in the state of Florida, receiving this accreditation should provide an extra layer of comfort for the traveling public because they can know that Orlando International is prepared to respond to any emergency situation.”

To obtain EMAP certification, the highest honor for emergency management and the only accreditation process for emergency management programs, applicants must demonstrate through self-assessment, documentation and peer assessment verification that its program meets the Emergency Management Standard, which is designed to be flexible so a variety of agencies and companies can tailor it to their needs, risks, resources and size.

All agencies seeking to receive the accreditation are judged against the program’s 64 industry-wide standards, which assess and cover a variety of areas including Program Management, administration and finance, prevention, communications and warning, training, and incident management among others.

Orlando International emergency management leaders began the accreditation process in February 2017, fueled by a motivation to build a new emergency management program at the airport. Benefits include increased engagement with airport community stakeholders and strengthened plans and processes.

“This is an incredible honor for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority to manage the first airport to achieve this prestigious accreditation by the Emergency Management Accreditation Program,” said Keila Walker-Denis, the Authority’s Assistant Director of Airport Operations – Emergency Management. “This accomplishment is a direct reflection of the hard work and commitment by the Aviation Authority and our airport partners in building a prepared and resilient community, emphasizing our dedication to the safety of our Employees and the traveling public that visit our world-class facility.”

Other agencies or organizations to recently receive the accreditation include the City of Orlando, the states of New York and Delaware, and the Philadelphia District of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Orlando International is proud to be the first-ever accredited airport.