This report delves into the critical role of Safety Management Systems (SMS) within the aviation industry. It begins with an introduction to SMS, outlining its structure, components, and the rationale behind its implementation. The report then explores the importance of a strong safety culture within organizations, emphasizing the indicators of such a culture. A significant portion of the report analyzes the Birmingham accident involving British Airways, pinpointing the failures that led to the incident and how an SMS could have prevented them through measures like quality assurance reviews, continuous monitoring, job descriptions, and training. Finally, the report evaluates the effectiveness of several changes introduced after the 9/11 attacks to enhance aircraft security, including visible security measures, improved screening processes, and cooperation among security agencies. The report concludes by summarizing the key findings and reiterating the significance of SMS in ensuring safety within the aviation sector.