Enhancing security through global partnerships
Istanbul: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has
called for a partnership between industry, governments and regulators to
enhance aviation security by embracing a globally harmonised, risk-based
system.
"Aviation security stands at the crossroads. Global passenger numbers
will be approaching four billion per year by 2017, and the ageing
systems and outdated procedures of the current security system will not
be able to cope.
We need to change from prescriptive one-size-fits-all measures and
embrace performance-based regulation if the economic benefits of
aviation growth are not to be curtailed by security inefficiency," said
IATA's Director General and CEO, Tony Tyler at the 22nd AVSEC World
conference in Istanbul.
Tyler noted three key areas for improving security cooperation: The
importance of early collaboration between industry and government, the
shift to a risk-based approach should be pursued more aggressively,
security and enhanced through a strengthened and harmonised global
system.
The move to risk-based security requires advance passenger
information (API) to be collected by governments. Some 45 states already
have API or Passenger Name Record (PNR) programs, with a similar number
looking to implement such schemes.
However, it is essential that these regimes be harmonised in line
with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations. In
addition the cost of collecting and processing the data should be borne
by governments and not the airlines.
The data being collected can also be used more effectively. The use
of registered traveller programs can be broadened. The success of
voluntary immigration and traveller programs demonstrates that
passengers are willing to share even more data to smoothen the process.
"Governments and industry can work together to make better use of the
data collected. A good example is the 'Checkpoint of the Future'
initiative, which aims at improving the security and convenience of
passenger screening by moving to a risk-based approach and adopting
advanced technology. The flying public is eager to see the Checkpoint of
Future deployed as quickly as possible. Stakeholders are aligned behind
a staged implementation that will see the first versions in 2014," he
said.
"Subsequent stages will see us move from re-purposing equipment and
using data more thoughtfully to the eventual deployment of new equipment
in the final stage, around 2020," said Tyler.
The development of more secure freight chains has been a consequence
of the foiled 2010 printer cartridge bomb plot. However, the
proliferation of auditing regimes has not been harmonised. It would be
better for governments to mutually recognise secure freight programs.
A particular concern is the tight time frame for airlines to become
compliant with the European Union's (EU) ACC3 regulation, which from
July 1, 2014 will prevent the import to the EU any air freight from a
non-validated or recognised third country.
Although IATA has developed an independent validators training
program, the numbers of validators are limited and it is vital that
airlines and freight forwarders work together to maximise the
opportunities for combining audit.
The IATA Secure Freight program ensures a sterile, secure air cargo
supply chain from packing to delivery. It has been piloted in nine
states so far, with Russia due to join in 2014. At the opening plenary
of AVSEC World, Turkey signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore a
secure freight pilot in the country.
Aviation security is evolving to face new threats. Aviation relies on
computer systems for almost every aspect of the business, leaving it
potentially vulnerable to cyber attack. Industry, regulators, and
manufacturers need to work together to share best practices and
mitigation strategies.
"We need to be ready for this change in thinking. How should
regulators treat this new security dimension, and how can airlines
tackle cyber security and airline security as a single unit? Our
resources are not infinite," said Tyler.
In the face of new threats and new challenges, the culture of
aviation security requires significant reform. Appropriate training of
security specialists is needed by industry and regulators alike, while
the move from one-size-fits-all to risk-based procedures needs to
accelerate.
The cost of aviation security needs to be reviewed - with more than
$100 million spent by airlines alone since 9/11, the industry needs to
be sure that this money is being well spent. The responsibilities of
governments and industry for the cost of security procedures also needs
to be better understood.
"The terrible shooting at Los Angeles International Airport recently
is a reminder that aviation security is always going to be tested. It is
a sad reality of modern life that evil and disturbed individuals often
target public spaces, including airports, to commit atrocities.
Regulators have the difficult task of balancing security with the needs
of modern society for mobility.
"The common vision among industry and regulators is data-driven,
risk-based and outcome-focused security delivered in partnership with
industry and to harmonised global standards. The challenge is to work
together to deliver it while staying one step ahead of those who would
choose to do our industry harm," said Tyler.
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