IATA chief calls on aviation industry and government to manage security challenges
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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on industry and governments to work together in an even stronger partnership to provide durable solutions to aviation’s security challenges.
These efforts, which must be based on common principles, include such areas as overflying conflict zones, landside security at airports, insider threats, cyber security, harmonization of PNR (passenger name record) and API (advance passenger information) requirements and airport checkpoints.
“Aviation is the ‘business of freedom’— a catalyst for social and economic development that improves people’s lives. Paradoxically, the good that aviation brings also makes it a target for terror. No single entity has all the answers. That’s why partnerships are essential to address our major security challenges with the speed needed to stay a step ahead of those who would do our industry harm. These efforts must keep four common principles in focus: risk-based measures, the implementation of global standards, capacity building to support the mutual recognition of standards, and information sharing among governments and with industry,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
De Juniac’s comments were made in an opening speech to the 25th AVSEC World conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. AVSEC World is being hosted by Malaysia Airlines and jointly presented by IATA in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Airports Council International (ACI).
He outlined the four principles to guide the cooperative security efforts of government and industry:
Risk-based measures to ensure that limited resources are applied where the threats are greatest;
Information sharing among governments and with industry to enable effective risk-assessments;
The implementation of global standards in security systems worldwide to support effective collaboration between all parties in all locations;
Capacity building supporting the mutual recognition of standards to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
De Juniac also emphasised the necessity of speed in keeping the industry secure.
“Speed is of the essence. Threats emerge quickly. And they evolve fast. The four principles will help us to address the threats and challenges we face, but only if we move quickly enough,” he said.
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