The International Air Transport Association has called for aviation security to be further strengthened by addressing four key areas.
These include closer government-to-government cooperation to eliminate the long-term challenges of extraterritorial measures, following the introduction of a laptop ban on certain routes earlier this year.
IATA also called for the universal application of global standards, better information sharing among governments and with industry, and the efficient implementation of new and existing technology capabilities.
“Governments and the industry are partners in aviation security.
“Airlines have operational know-how.
“Governments have the financial and intelligence resources.
“We have to put them together effectively in a continuous dialogue focused on improving security,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA Director General, in a keynote address to the IATA AVSEC World Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
De Juniac emphasised the point: “We cannot predict the next security challenge.
“But some things we do know for sure.
“Our common defense is stronger when governments and industry work together.
“And if we can avoid long term extraterritorial measures, focus on global standards, share information and develop technology efficiently, our hand is strengthened even further.”
IATA argued governments must avoid the long-term use of extraterritorial measures and ensure that airlines are not left to bear the financial brunt of unplanned expenses for an indeterminate period.
The US Transportation Security Administration requirement that airlines conduct interviews with passengers flying to the US is an example of an extraterritorial requirement.
“Such interviews are traditionally done by government authorities,” De Juniac added.
De Juniac welcomed the development of the Global Aviation Security Plan by the International Civil Aviation Organization and urged its swift implementation.
“Development and implementation are different things – as we clearly see with low levels of compliance to Annex 17 requirements.
“Capacity building will be critical. “States will need to integrate the priority actions outlined in GASeP into their respective National Civil Aviation Security Programs if it is to be effective,” said de Juniac.
