Security spotlight shines on African airfreight

Higher volumes
of airfreight
out of Africa –
particularly export
cargo destined for the USA
and the European Union
(EU) – have seen the security
spotlight more firmly focused
on the continent, according
to David Alexander, general
manager: professional risk
at Professional Aviation
Services.
He said air cargo was
increasingly vulnerable
to “acts of unlawful
interference”, and was
in fact highlighted as a
persistent threat on the latest
International Civil Aviation
Organisation (Icao) threat
matrix.
Alexander pointed out
that the higher the volume
of air freight moved, the
more difficult it became
to mitigate the threat of
interference with air cargo.
“Our primary concern is the
prevention of any action that
could put an aircraft or its
passengers in jeopardy – but
the threat of crime, drug
smuggling and trafficking
of endangered species is ever
present,” he said.
And while South Africa
is listed on the EU’s ‘green
list’ of countries that have
an air cargo security regime
recognised as “being
equivalent and acceptable” to
the EU, most other African
countries are not.
In fact, some regions of
Africa were in turmoil and
featured on the “red list” of
high-risk countries where
additional, more stringent
security measures were
required when cargo
was moved from
these areas, explained
Alexander.
All countries that do
not enjoy ‘green list’
status are subject to
the rules under the
International Air
Transport Association
(Iata)-accredited ACC3/RA3
(air cargo or mail carrier
operating into the EU from
a third country airport)
programme. Cargo destined
for the United States must
comply with the applicable
Transportation Security
Administration requirements.
Alexander pointed out
that companies generally
did not fully understand the
requirements and the EU
regulations. “Compliance with
these requirements is complex
and challenging, particularly
in countries that may lack
infrastructure and a robust
regulatory regime. Expert
assistance in complying with
regulations makes life a lot
simpler,” he commented.
“Professional Aviation
Services is experienced in the
ACC3/RA3 process, having
successfully completed 23
RA3 validations in South
Africa and we are currently
completing a validation in
Tanzania,” he added.
The company also provides
advice and consultation
services on all aspects of
Aviation Security (AVSEC)
and air cargo security.
INSERT
Air cargo security checks
are becoming increasingly
stringent for African export
cargo.