Air safety tops agendas across the globe

The two bombs in UPS and FedEx aircraft in the UK and Dubai have brought a host of responses from around the world on the subject of air cargo security. In the US Republican Edward Markey is vowing to introduce legislation that will require 100% screening of all airfreight before it is loaded on freighters that will travel in the US. Markey, author of the 2007 law that requires 100% screening of all air cargo transported on domestic and international passenger planes entering the US, said he would table the legislation when Congress reconvened following this month’s mid-term elections. “At the time, strong opposition from the shipping industry, the US Chamber of Commerce and other business interests prevented the inclusion of a screening mandate for allcargo aircraft,” Markey said. “Following this foiled cargo bombing plot from Yemen, now is the time to finish the job. “It is time for the shipping industry and the business community to accept the reality that more needs to be done to secure cargo planes so that they cannot be turned into a delivery system for bombs targeting our country. That is why I intend to introduce a bill that would close the air cargo plane screening loophole when Congress reconvenes.” The airfreight industry disagrees, saying such scanning is not a cheap exercise and will see global logistics costs increase as cargo security requirements become more stringent – and more costly. Iata CEO and director general, Giovanni Bisignani says security remains at the top of the organisation’s agenda. Speaking at the opening of AVSEC World in Frankfurt, Germany, Bisignani said: “Air freight drives the world economy. The products that we carry represent 35% of the total value of goods traded internationally. “In 2009, airlines carried 26 million tons of international cargo. “By 2014, that will increase to 38 million tons. Transporting these goods safely, securely and efficiently is critical,” said Bisignani, who commended all the governments for their swift, co-ordinated and targeted response following the finding of the three bombs in cargo holds. Iata has called for an integrated approach where everyone works together on enhancing air cargo safety.