World’s airlines urge governments to tackle terror
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The world’s airlines have called for inter-governmental cooperation to tackle the threat of terrorism.
At its recent AGM in Dublin, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents the majority of the world’s airlines, unanimously adopted a resolution that “denounces terrorism and calls for intensified cooperation among governments as well as with the air transport industry to keep flying secure”.
“The foundation stone of security has been rocked by tragedy. In the last 12 months terrorists have laid claim to atrocities involving Metrojet 9268, Daallo 159, and at Brussels Airport. These are grim reminders that aviation is vulnerable,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s director general & CEO.
“Airlines rely on governments to keep passengers and employees secure as part of their responsibility for national security. And we are committed to working with them in that challenging task.”
The resolution calls for airlines to work together with airports and other industry stakeholders to counter the risk of terrorist threats. It urges governments to work in partnership to combat terrorism, to commit “all possible government resources” – particularly intelligence – to the cause, and to share information.
The recent attack on Brussels Airport, IATA said, highlighted the importance of security in airport public areas. “Keeping this area secure is fully the responsibility of governments,” the resolution stated.
For its part, IATA is working with Airports Council International (ACI) to expand the joint ‘Smart Security’ and ‘Fast Travel’ initiatives, which promote the adoption of new security and check-in technology to increase the speed with which passengers are processed.
As well as improving passenger service, these initiatives are aimed at shortening security queues and reducing the build-up of large crowds, which can pose a security risk.
“Intelligence is the most powerful tool that governments have to protect their citizens wherever they are – at work, in their homes or while travelling. One of the biggest risk areas are large crowds. [The aviation] industry is helping to bolster these efforts with practical measures… that will mitigate risk by reducing airport queues,” Tyler concluded.
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