International regulators reach new pacts on airport security

International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and Airports Council International (ACI) have announced a new agreement, aimed at reinforcing cooperation on airport security.

According to them, the new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will make ICAO working more closely with ACI towards the objectives of ACI’s Airport Excellence (APEX) in security programme, including working together to deliver security reviews, technical assistance, programmes for airport personnel training and the enhancement of regional partnerships.

They added that governments, industry and environmental groups meeting at ICAO have finalised the design of the first global certification standard for CO2 emissions from new aircraft.

The Secretary General, ICAO, Fang Liu said: “This new agreement establishes a framework for cooperation which will help to improve airport security worldwide.
“ICAO very much appreciates ACI’s proactive leadership on all aspects of effective airport operation, and by improving our cooperation we can better ensure that international airports remain suitably secure and efficient, and have the necessary tools for driving increased economic development and global connectivity.”

He noted that the APEX in security programme is designed to help airports identify and address security vulnerabilities through a peer review process that offers advice on best practices and identification of areas for improvement, stressing that, the ultimate aim of the programme is to promote more secure airport operations worldwide.

Meanwhile, ollowing to the recent decision by the ICAO Council to prohibit the carriage of lithium-ion batteries as cargo on passenger aircraft, the UN aviation agency has issued the following clarifications: “Lithium-ion batteries carried by passengers in their personal electronic devices, whether in their carry-on or checked baggage, are not affected by this new restriction. Passengers must not pack spare lithium-ion batteries in checked baggage. Spares must be packed in carry-on baggage or carried on the person.

“Lithium-ion batteries may no longer be packed in baggage shipped independently as cargo. Lithium-ion batteries in mishandled baggage, or excess passenger baggage shipped as cargo, are permitted so long as they also satisfy the requirements of points 1 and 2 above. Passengers should verify local government and airline regulations which are set out in order to ensure full compliance with all applicable requirements specific to their voyage.

“The new prohibition is not voluntary and must be adhered to by all 191 State parties to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention).”

Prohibition applies only to lithium-ion batteries shipped as cargo on passenger planes, not to those contained in personal electronic devices carried by passengers or crew. The council’s decision is effective from April 1, 2016