Evolution of human factors research in aviation safety: A systematic review and bibliometric analysis of the intellectual structure

Abstract

Despite the multitude of research endeavors dedicated to Human Factors (HF) in aviation safety, a comprehensive review remains conspicuously scarce. Accordingly, this study presents the first in-depth systematic review and bibliometric analysis of the vital role played by HF in enhancing the safety and reliability of air transportation. Employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline, we scrutinized the Scopus dataset spanning from 1937 to late 2023. A rigorous screening process was applied to identify relevant documents, ultimately subjecting critical analyses of 1663 documents to address four foundational research questions within HF associated with aviation safety. First, our analysis delves into the identification of key areas of emphasis that have characterized HF in the aviation industry since 1937. By tracing the trajectory of research over time, the study aims to discern the evolution of HF within the aviation context. Furthermore, an exploration of primary challenges and knowledge gaps crucial to research is highlighted, with proposed pathways for future investigations to maximize their impact on air transportation safety. Finally, the study extends its inquiry to compare the existing landscape of human reliability research within the aviation sector with that of Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) and the Chemical Process Industry (CPI). This holistic approach to understanding HF not only contributes valuable insights into aviation safety but also contextualizes these findings within broader industrial frameworks, revealing the key gaps that exist in human reliability within the aviation industry. The outcomes of this study underscore the indispensable role of HF in establishing and advancing safer and more resilient air transportation systems.