Iata makes headway with Secure Freight programme

A one-size-fitsall approach to security in the aviation industry does not work. According to Tony Tyler, director general and CEO of the International Air Transport Association (Iata), security of both people and cargo remains a top priority — and while achieving this is still a work in progress, there is good alignment between the organisation’s members on what needs to be achieved when it comes to security. “Our customers don’t want anything to do with terrorists or their weapons. Airlines don’t want them on their aircraft. Airports don’t want them on their premises. And governments don’t want them in their country,” he said. “What we lack is alignment on how to achieve this. There is, however, a growing recognition that a one-sizefits- all approach is wasteful and unsustainable. The vast majority of passengers and cargo pose no threat at all.” He said in this regard screening and re-screening of both people and cargo was senseless. “I think everyone agrees that if a good screening is done and the passenger and cargo are thereafter held in a secure, sterile environment, a second or even third screening is not necessary.” Tyler said Iata was working in partnership with several governments on two key datadriven risk-based initiatives to find a workable approach to ensuring utmost security. He said one of these programmes – Secure Freight – was proving that a supply chain approach works. “Secure Freight is an air cargo security programme that aims to promote global air cargo supply chain security standards around the world in order to facilitate safe, secure and efficient operations of air cargo,” said Tyler. “The vision is an air cargo industry comprising certified secure operators, in secure supply chains, operating to international cargo security standards, recognised by relevant state authorities.” With Secure Freight, Iata offers assistance through the creation of templates and documents, best practices (standards and processes) to assist in securing the supply chain. Secure Freight is then tailored for countries where supply chain processes do not exist or require enhancements. Six countries – Kenya, Mexico, Chile, Egypt, the UAE and Jordan – have implemented it following a successful pilot in Malaysia. Tyler said he was confident more countries would follow and the system would prove to be a way of securing air cargo safely. Iata is also involved in a second programme, which focuses on security around passengers. While a framework has been agreed on for this programme, component testing is currently under way but first versions will only be implemented at two airports in 2014. INSERTS & CAPTION Screening and rescreening of people and cargo is senseless. – Tony Tyler Six The countries that have implemented Secure Freight after a successful pilot in Malaysia.