Self-Assessment Methodology (SAM+) for Manchester Jetline

Project Background

Manchester Jetline (MJL), a key operator within the UK aviation sector, engaged Penspen to conduct a comprehensive asset management maturity assessment using the Institute of Asset Management’s SAM+ (Self-Assessment Methodology) framework. 

Manchester Jetline carries Jet A1 fuel from Backford to Manchester Airport in a buried pipeline via Plumley. The system has pumping, filtering and metering facilities. The objective of the assessment was to evaluate MJL’s current asset management capabilities, identify strengths and improvement opportunities, and establish a clear roadmap toward higher maturity and operational resilience. 

The SAM+ methodology provides a structured and evidence-based assessment across key asset management domains, enabling organisations to benchmark performance and progress toward best practice alignment with ISO 55000 principles. 

Services

Penspen’s asset management specialists carried out the SAM+ assessment through a combination of facilitated workshops, document reviews, and interviews with MJL teams across operations, engineering, and corporate functions. This allowed for a holistic understanding of both formal processes and real-world practices. 

The assessment examined multiple domains, including: 

• Strategy and Planning 

• Asset Information 

• Decision Making 

• Operational Delivery 

• Risk Management 

• Organisation and People 

• Leadership and Governance 

 Using the SAM+ scoring framework, each area was evaluated against defined maturity levels, ranging from “Awareness” through to “Optimising”. 

Result

The output of the Penspen’s assessment provided MJL with a clear, evidence-based view of its current asset management and established a clear pathway toward higher levels of asset management maturity. The insights gained provide a strong foundation for improved risk management, optimised investment planning, and enhanced long-term performance of MJL’s asset base. 

 Key outcomes included: 

• Strong foundations in operational delivery, supported by well-established processes and experienced teams.
• Clear organisational commitment to improving asset management capability, demonstrated through active participation in workshops and leadership engagement. 
• Improvement opportunities in asset information and decision-making, where enhanced data quality and clearer prioritisation mechanisms would significantly strengthen risk-based planning. 
• Identification of quick wins, such as standardising documentation and improving cross-functional communication channels. 
• Longer-term improvement initiatives focused on governance structures, lifecycle planning, and embedding systematic risk management across all asset groups.

 The assessment culminated in a targeted improvement plan, outlining practical, prioritised actions aligned with MJL’s strategic objectives and resource capability. Penspen’s collaborative approach ensured that recommendations were tailored to MJL’s operational realities, supporting a shared understanding of priorities and fostering internal ownership of the improvement programme. 

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