All geared up for security regulations

RISING COSTS from all corners don’t seem to be denting the ‘touch me feel me’ mentality of global businesses. “Rising costs are a fact of life, but in this industry it’s a matter of priority,” Martine Forbes of Cathay Pacific’s South African GSA Linex Air Services told FTW. “Business is global, and since you can't fax or e-mail a cup-and-saucer sample half-way around the world, a fuel surcharge increase here and there is not going to gum up the production line.” The Gauteng-based company has moved into its own premises with offices and a warehouse but still within close proximity to the airport. “While we are excited about the move, something even more important for us will be the implementation of the incoming Part 108 security regulations,” Forbes said. “ We have been going through the motions of the requirements for some time, so our internal systems and procedures with our clients are already geared to be congruent with the requirements once they are rolled out. I just hope the rules are applied uniformly regardless of size of the company. “The through-tag bag concept has had a big take-up with the courier companies, and we foresee this growing in popularity over the coming months as an added security feature,” Forbes added. “It’s going to take some adjustment, but once everyone is on board, the whole process will become smoother and air express and couriers a more secure industry all round.”