ICAO, IATA, others revisit global airport security strategy

• FAAN graduates 211 AVSEC, firefighting officers

Apparently worried by the growing security threat in airports across the world, international aviation bodies are closing ranks to re-examine and strengthen current security rules and procedure.

Bodies like the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and Airports Council International (ACI) aim to address evolving aviation security risks with integrated solutions.

In a related development, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has concluded the training of 211 Aviation Security (AVSEC) and aerodrome rescue officers and fire fighters.

At the 25th AVSEC World Conference, taking place from the 25 to 27 October, 2016, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the bodies will focus on key topics such as securing landside spaces at airports, information sharing among governments, managing the risks of home-grown terrorism and preventing cyber threats.

Secretary General, ICAO, Dr. Fang Liu, said it was high time aviation security evolved in tune with changing threats.

Liu said: “The global policy and regulatory framework has to adapt effectively and in a timely fashion to address this increasingly dynamic risk. Having so many global aviation security experts and leading thinkers gathered together at AVSEC World provides a valuable opportunity to identify common objectives and combine the industry’s strengths and resources towards achieving better aviation security and facilitation,” he said.

Director General and CEO, IATA, Alexandre de Juniac, said flying remains secure, but the business of keeping it that way is the responsibility of governments and a challenge for all parties involved in air transport.

de Juniac said: “Aviation is the business of freedom. But recent months have shown that it remains a target for terrorists. AVSEC World strengthens the vital partnership between industry and government on security. And it is a catalyst that helps to turn our common interest into a shared agenda to stay a step ahead of those with an agenda of evil.”

Director General, ACI World, Angela Gittens, noted that the recent tragic attacks on Brussels and Ataturk airports have brought aviation security sharply into focus in the worldwide media.

“Ensuring the security of the traveling public is a top priority for ACI and its members, and a prerequisite for a sustainable aviation system. This is a goal that can only be accomplished through close collaboration among stakeholders. The landscape of aviation security is changing, and AVSEC World 2016 will lay the groundwork for where we’re going and the best way to get there,” Gittens said.

Liu, de Juniac and Gittens will all deliver remarks at AVSEC World. Additionally, the conference will feature keynote addresses by Vice Admiral Peter Neffenger, Administrator, US Transportation Security and Henrik Hololei, Director-General for Mobility and Transport, European Commission.

Managing Director of FAAN, Saleh Dunoma, assured that the authority would continue to train and develop capacity of its members of staff, in line with the provisions of ICAO regulations.