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IATA calls for stronger partnership with govt. on AVSEC
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on industry and governments to work together in an even stronger partnership to provide durable solutions to aviation’s security challenges.
IATA’s Director-General, Alexandre de Junaic De Juniac’s comments were made in an opening speech to the 25th AVSEC World conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. AVSEC World is being hosted by Malaysia Airlines and jointly presented by IATA in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Airports Council International (ACI).
The clearing house for global airlines said these efforts, which must be based on common principles, include such areas as overflying conflict zones, landside security at airports, insider threats, cyber security, harmonization of PNR (passenger name record) and API (advance passenger information) requirements and airport checkpoints.
de Junaic said, “Aviation is the ‘business of freedom’—a catalyst for social and economic development that improves people’s lives. Paradoxically, the good that aviation brings also makes it a target for terror. No single entity has all the answers.”
“That’s why partnerships are essential to address our major security challenges with the speed needed to stay a step ahead of those who would do our industry harm. These efforts must keep four common principles in focus: risk-based measures, the implementation of global standards, capacity building to support the mutual recognition of standards, and information sharing among governments and with industry.”
The group identified six priority areas for addressing security challenges:
Conflict zones : Timely and accurate information is needed to support risk-assessments when overflying conflict zones. “The ICAO conflict zone information repository was an initial step. But it is not the solution. We need to evolve to a system that can function on a continuing basis with a free and fast flow of useful information. Information sharing is not just about conflict zones. If a government has any information about a risk to an airline’s operation, sharing it with the airline could save lives. There is a responsibility to get that information to the airline quickly and by effective means,” said de Juniac.
Landside security in airports: Recent attacks in Brussels and Istanbul have brought this vulnerability to the fore. Local authorities must use intelligence to keep terrorists far away from airports and keep public areas free from threats. In parallel the industry is working on solutions to reduce risk by processing passengers more quickly.
Insider threats: “With eight million people employed in air transport, the threat from insiders is a real challenge. The perfect vetting system has yet to be invented. So intelligence analysis—from governments—is our most potent tool to identify threats especially from radicalization,” said de Juniac.
Cyber security: Nimble layers of protection—security culture—and advanced detection capabilities are needed. All of these must be powered by intelligence and information sharing. Cooperation with governments and across the industry is essential.
Recent attacks in Brussels and Istanbul have brought this vulnerability to the fore. Local authorities must use intelligence to keep terrorists far away from airports and keep public areas free from threats. In parallel the industry is working on solutions to reduce risk by processing passengers more quickly.
Insider threats: “With eight million people employed in air transport, the threat from insiders is a real challenge. The perfect vetting system has yet to be invented. So intelligence analysis—from governments—is our most potent tool to identify threats especially from radicalization,” said de Juniac.
Cyber security: Nimble layers of protection—security culture—and advanced detection capabilities are needed. All of these must be powered by intelligence and information sharing. Cooperation with governments and across the industry is essential.
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