Joint committee examines airport access options for forwarders

Computer-linked card offers workable solution JOY ORLEK PROGRESS HAS been made in the formulation of a workable alternative to replace the current permit system in place at Johannesburg International Airport for the drawing of cargo from airline bond stores. That’s the word from Richard Mallabone, director Aviation and Security of the SA Association of Freight Forwarders, which has joined forces with the Air Cargo Operators’ Committee (Acoc) and the international Technology Asset Protection Association (Tapa) to investigate alternatives to the system that is currently being phased out. The group is examining the feasibility of a computer-linked access card that would identify the person collecting or delivering cargo. The detail is still to be thrashed out, but the committee believes that the principle is workable and is optimistic of an early breakthrough. Saaff negotiations succeeded in extending the deadline for the withdrawal of current permits by the Airports Company SA (Acsa) from August 1 to September 15. But in the interim, no new permits have been issued and companies have been forced to issue letters on their letterheads confirming the employment and identity of cargo personnel delivering or collecting goods. This is clearly not a secure option and all agree that early decisions on a new system are crucial. Saaff executive officer Chris Richards says there are many questions still to be answered, and these will be addressed once the concept has been agreed in principle. The joint committee will present its suggestions to Acsa in the near future, he said.