The main risk factors linked to environmental, social and employee-related issues come under the risk category defined in the risk Model as "operational and business risks", in addition to Safety and Security risks, infrastructure investments and human resources, with a focus on the first area.
- A potential terrorist attack in one of our airports could have serious consequences for passengers and airport operators. We invest enormous effort in the management of this risk. Similar to all Italian airport managers, the safety procedures applied are based on the National Security Programme (PNS) measures. In order to ensure compliance with the provisions in the PNS, every airport operator draft, implements and keeps an updated Security Programme which outlines the processes and procedures followed to apply the aspects of the National Security civil aviation programme for which they are responsible. In addition, we carry out periodic drills involving all the competent entities as well as providing ongoing support to the Security Forces in defending the airside-landside borders and the land side area.
- Through the Ground Safety Report and its related indicators, we constantly monitor daily operations carried out in aircraft-related areas, to detect any potential incidents which might cause an air incident (e.g. failed right of way, technical problems). For further information, refer to the paragraph on "Aeronautic safety".
- A large fire could spread from a localized source and if not dealt with in a timely manner by employees and/or by the relevant infrastructure systems, could damage assets, structures and people. The system handling this risk event is maintained in optimum condition and is monitored, whilst we strive for continuous improvement. In terms of procedures, we use joint emergency and evacuation plans with third parties (operators and entities within the airports), fire prevention regulations, VVFF (Fire Brigade) fire prevention certificates, as well as periodic system maintenance. On an organizational level, we are committed to constantly ensuring our employees are trained in safety awareness and we conduct audits on commercial operators regarding fire prevention regulations.
- We invest significantly in occupational health and safety preventative procedures and we now submit our low accident IF (frequency) and IG (severity) indices. We have developed internal policies and procedures to avoid such events arising, in addition to conducting regular audits. Every incident undergoes a process-analysis of the causes and where necessary the procedures, the training process and the infrastructures are revised. The management system is certified by external accredited bodies in accordance with OHSAS 18001 standards.
- In 2017, we submitted the new Malpensa airport Master Plan to ENAC (National Civil Aviation Authority). The planning tool is in the process of being approved by ENAC and following this, we will apply for approval from the Ministry of the Environment. The Master Plan envisages a 60 to 90-hectare expansion south from the current airport structure. As this plan involves part of the Ticino Park area with potential environmental and economic impacts on the surrounding municipalities, the Group has focused strongly on dialogue and consultation with the local communities in designing the project, currently in the approval stages.
- From the point of view of environmental impacts, the main risks from our Company's activities are noise pollution affecting the areas surrounding the airport structures, in addition to the impact from the potential increase in traffic related to airport activities. Other common sector-related risks are the consumption of natural resources such as energy and fuels, with consequent impacts on the atmosphere in terms of the production of dangerous waste and spillages affecting the territory. These risks are managed and constantly monitored by the Environmental Management System. For further information, refer to the paragraph on our environmental and energy policies.
- Potential extreme weather events (cloud bursts, snow) could interrupt airport activities. Processes, systems and the structures previously set up enable us to manage these events.
- The ageing of the company workforce (the current average age is 48) is also due to the extension of the working age introduced under recent pension reforms and could impact operations (particularly in relation to the use of new technologies). We constantly address this issue through the implementation of a variety of initiatives, aimed, on the one hand, at recruiting younger staff and on the other of developing and maintaining skills (including specific talent management initiatives), as well as developing and maintaining employee physical and psychological wellbeing (for example the “Fragile” initiative to support employees with elderly parents).
- The potential risks of corruption offences are managed through the adoption of the 231 Model. For further information, please see the “Internal control system” paragraph.
- In relation to the supply chain, a potential significant risk across the airport sector is the possibility that a single supplier may become bankrupt or might encounter operational difficulties, or even potentially monopolize the market segment where they operate. In this case, the supplier may not be in a position to ensure the continuity of services instrumental to conducting our business. To mitigate this, we have paid greater attention in monitoring our suppliers through specific actions both during the supplier Registry selection phase, as well as during supplier operations where the Company business lines provide periodic feedback to the purchasing management team.
- Considering the nature and the geographic location of the activities that we carry out, as well as the preparatory controls for obtaining mandatory airport passes for anyone working in the airport, we have not identified any human rights breach risks regarding the supply chain.