DUBLIN – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) 72nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) 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 twelve months, terrorists have laid claim to atrocities involving Metrojet 9268, Daallo 159, and at Brussels Airport. These are grim reminders that aviation is vulnerable. 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," said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
The resolution calls for airlines to work together with airports and other key stakeholders to counter the risk of terrorist threats and urges governments to:
- Work in partnership among themselves and with airlines to counter the risk of terrorist threats to aviation, recognizing ICAO’s critical role in this effort;
- Commit all possible government resources, particularly intelligence resources, to fighting the use of aviation for terrorist acts;
- Share relevant information to ensure that measures to prevent and respond to terrorist acts are appropriate and effective.
The recent attack on Brussels Airport highlighted the importance of security in airport public areas landside. Keeping this area secure is fully the responsibility of governments and the most effective defense is government intelligence used to stop terrorists long before they reach airport property.
Risk in airport public areas can be mitigated, however, with efficient processes:
IATA is working with Airports Council International (ACI) to expand the footprint of the joint Smart Security initiative to streamline airport screening with modern technology and a risk-based approach. This will bring the triple benefit of (1) reduced queues landside, (2) more effective screening, and (3) an improved passenger experience.
IATA is working with partners across the value chain to implement Fast Travel which will expedite passenger processing with self-service options. Internet check-in and home-printed baggage tags allow the passenger to arrive at the airport ready to travel, thereby reducing passenger dwell time in landside areas of the airport.
"Intelligence is the most powerful tool that governments have to protect their citizens wherever they are - at work, in their homes or while traveling. One of the biggest risk areas are large crowds. Industry is helping to bolster these efforts with practical measures - Smart Security and Fast Travel - that will mitigate risk by reducing airport queues," said Tyler.
Airline Industry Pledges to Fight Against Wildlife Trafficking
Also IATA 72nd Annual General Meeting unanimously endorsed a resolution denouncing the illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products and pledging to partner with government authorities and conservation organizations in the fight against the traffickers of endangered animals.
"The illegal wildlife trade threatens the survival of many endangered species, the local communities and businesses that depend on them, and poses a risk to health and safety. In line with our broad commitment to sustainability, the airline industry is reinforcing its role by helping to shut down the vile activities of poaching and trafficking," said Tony Tyler.
The resolution urges governments to commit additional resources to address illegal trafficking and calls on airlines to:
- Increase passenger, client, customer and employee awareness about the nature, scale and consequences of the illegal wildlife trade
- Partner with airports, freight forwarders and other stakeholders to work proactively with enforcement agencies and conservation organizations to address the problem
- Consider the adoption of appropriate policies and procedures to discourage trafficking through awareness programs, information sharing and incident reporting
In a recorded message to the AGM delegates, His Royal Highness Prince William the Duke of Cambridge urged the industry to unite in support of this cause.
"Many airlines, and your association IATA, have already signed the Buckingham Palace Declaration, pledging your support for our aims. IATA has been instrumental in helping set up workshops to raise awareness and educate front-line staff to spot smugglers in the act. The more of you that can join us in this work, the more powerful our deterrence activities will be. These criminal gangs are exploiting the incredible global aviation network you have built, and it needs nothing short of a global coalition to find them and stop them," said the Duke of Cambridge.
"We all have a responsibility to protect our planet and its diverse ecology. I am aware of the important goals you have set for capping and reducing carbon emissions from civil air transport. This is to your credit and shows the power of aviation when it comes together as a force for good. Now I ask you to make a commitment to our planet’s wildlife, to join us and help save our most precious animals for future generations to enjoy," said the Duke.
"We are honored that the Duke of Cambridge has recognized aviation’s role in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking. Aviation has taken a responsible approach to its sustainable development. We are determined to ensure that the global air transport network will not be exploited for the nefarious purposes of illegal wildlife traders," said Tyler.
The resolution furthers the airline industry’s heightened activity in this area. At the 71st IATA AGM last year, a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) . Two awareness-raising workshops for airline and airport staff have been held at international airports in Nairobi and Bangkok. In addition, IATA joined the US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Reducing Opportunities for Unlawful Transport of Endangered Species (ROUTES) Partnership. New guidance material for airlines has been published, and an IATA Environment Committee Wildlife Taskforce has been set up to monitor progress and provide advice on the next steps.
