Industry calls for an end to duplicated security procedures

The International Air Transport Association (Iata) has called on governments and regulators to work with the industry to eliminate ineffective duplication of aviation security procedures. “Security is a top priority, alongside safety and environmental responsibility. Even with an expected US$11 billion in losses this year, the priorities will not be compromised. The financial crisis makes it more important than ever for regulators, security agencies, airports and airlines to work together and to work smarter to ensure that every dollar spent brings benefit,” said Giovanni Bisignani, Iata’s director general and CEO. “It is time to eliminate ineffective and costly duplication of aviation security procedures. They are costly for airlines and a hassle for our passengers but do nothing to improve security. Harmonisation, efficiency and cost effectiveness are the key to keeping aviation secure,” said Guenther Matschnigg, Iata’s senior vice president safety operations & infrastructure in a keynote address to AVSEC World 2009, a global annual gathering of aviation security policy makers and stakeholders, in Cape Town last week. “Airlines now spend US$5.9 billion a year on security. Airlines and travellers cannot afford to pay for duplication because governments have not been able to harmonise or have mutually agreed requirements,” said Matschnigg. To address the security challenge, Iata and the Aviation Security Executive Group have developed a strategy based on five key criteria, which will deliver effective and appropriate security measures without causing damage to an already fragile airline community.