Acoc chairman sets cargo security priority

JOY ORLEK CARGO SAFETY and security will top the agenda of the Air Cargo Operators’ Committee (Acoc) in the year ahead, says newly-elected chairman and CEO of The Cargo Connection, Gerd von Mansberg. Resurrected two years ago to play an active role in the growth of the air cargo industry to and from southern Africa, membership is open to anyone representing an airline, cargo handling company or GSA. Key stakeholders with whom Acoc will be fostering closer ties include Airports Company of SA, Customs, the SA Association of Freight Forwarders, SA Police Services and the Civil Aviation Authority. “Customs releases, for example, are still wide open to fraud,” says Von Mansberg. On December 23 a consignment worth R1.8m was handed over to a consignee on production of fraudulent documentation, a common problem particularly where consolidations are concerned. “Those are the kind of issues we will be looking into to protect all our members and a solution will clearly be to the benefit of every stakeholder.” Von Mansberg is keen to see all airlines getting involved and participating. “You tend to find a lot of people sitting on the sidelines and complaining, but doing nothing. If we all get involved and take proactive steps, issues of common concern can be addressed.” Acsa has already made significant strides, in his view, tightening up on access control in all areas, including apron security.