The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) 72nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) unanimously adopted a resolution that denounces terrorism and calls for intensified co-operation among governments as well as with the air transport industry to keep flying secure.
IATA’s director general and chief executive officer, Tony Tyler says: “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. 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 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.
Tyler adds: “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.”
