Airlines call for urgent action on security
The International Air Transport Association is calling for global aviation security to be stepped up.
Speaking at the Avsec World conference in Istanbul, IATA director general and CEO Tony Tyler said cyber security is a huge threat to airlines.
"How should regulators treat this new security dimension, and how can airlines tackle cyber security and airline security as a single unit? Our resources are not infinite," he said.
Tyler added: "The terrible shooting at Los Angeles International Airport last Friday is a reminder that aviation security is always going to be tested.
"It is a sad reality of modern life that evil and disturbed individuals often target public spaces, including airports, to commit atrocities. Regulators have the difficult task of balancing security with the needs of modern society for mobility."
Tyler said there needs to be a partnership between industry, governments and regulators.
"Governments and industry can work together to make better use of the data collected," he said.
Tyler said advance passenger information (API) and similar systems should be harmonised and the cost of collecting and processing information should be borne by governments, not airlines.
"Aviation security stands at a crossroads. Global passenger numbers will be approaching four billion per year by 2017, and the ageing systems and outdated procedures of the current security system will not be able to cope.
"We need to change from prescriptive one-size-fits-all measures and embrace performance-based regulation."
by Lisa James
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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