Global Solutions for a Global Business
Aviation is a global business, and therefore aviation security cannot be solely regulated at state level where individual measures would only result in threat proliferation; instead, threat assessments and mitigation measures should be discussed and agreed upon globally under ICAO framework.
In addition, security processes and procedures should be harmonized throughout the supply chain whereby all stakeholders collaborate to increase the effectiveness of the security system in order to guarantee the safe transport of passengers and freight from the point of origin until the destination, while at the same time looking into means to simplify the complexity of security procedures for the common passenger.
In order to support the harmonized application of global aviation security provisions, ICAO developed in 2017 the Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP) and its corresponding implementation roadmap (GASeR) which outlines 94 tasks accompanying 32 actions under the following five key priority outcomes:
1- Enhance risk awareness and response.
2- Develop security culture and human capability.
3- Improve technological resources and innovation.
4- Improve oversight and quality assurance.
5- Increase cooperation and support.
Please click here to read the 2017 edition of ICAO Global Aviation Security Plan.
Regional Collaboration to Strengthen Aviation Security and Facilitation
The Global Ministerial Aviation Summit, held in Riyadh on 31 August 2016, under the theme of safety and security, resulted in the adoption of the “Riyadh Declaration on Aviation Security and Facilitation in the ACAC and ICAO MID Regions”. The declaration, signed by 16 Arab states, paved the way for regional collaboration to further enhance aviation security and facilitation in the region.
AACO 49th AGM acknowledged the adoption of the Riyadh Declaration and called upon stakeholders to work together to formulate and implement a regional security and facilitation plan that delivers the provisions of the declaration.
Following the announcement of the ICAO Global Aviation Security Plan, the Regional Ministerial Conference on Aviation Security and Facilitation in Africa and the Middle East, held in Sharm El Sheikh on 24 August 2017, resulted in the adoption of the Africa and Middle East Aviation Security Roadmap. The roadmap builds on the provisions of previous declarations adopted in both regions and aligns the regional high-level priorities with ICAO Global Aviation Security Plan.
AACO 50th AGM recognized the efforts of states to enhance aviation security and facilitation in the region, called upon them to address threats globally through ICAO and to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure a robust regional security framework.
Please click here to read AACO’s 49th AGM resolution on this matter.
Please click here to read AACO’s 50th AGM resolution on this matter.
Please click here to read the Riyadh Declaration.
Please click here to read the Africa and Middle East Aviation Security Roadmap.
Following these instruments, AACO collaborated extensively with all stakeholders to develop the Middle East Aviation Security and Facilitation plan, and works alongside stakeholders to support the implementation of the plan through ICAO Middle East Aviation Security and Facilitation Group.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a topic that is gaining momentum in the air transport sector. All stakeholders acknowledge the critical need to safeguard their systems and data against cyber threats. ICAO held a global symposium on cyber security in April 2017 in Dubai which resulted in adoption of the “Declaration on Cybersecurity in Civil Aviation”. The Declaration includes provisions to enhance cyber resilience and collaboration among stakeholders to safeguard aviation against cyber attacks.
ICAO also held in May 2018 the Europe, Middle East and Africa Cybersecurity Summit in Romania. The Summit highlighted the need to address cyber threats as technology is the backbone of civil aviation, stressed that addressing cyber threats requires global cooperation and standards as well as a cultural paradigm shift as it requires cross-disciplinary cooperation both within organizations and across stakeholders, and emphasized ICAO’s role and position to develop global standards to address cyber threats on civil aviation.
Please click here to read the Dubai Declaration.
Please click here to read the outcome and conclusions of ICAO EMEA Cyber Summit.
Unruly Passengers
Unruly passengers are becoming an increasing concern for airlines. IATA estimates that on average 70 flights every day are faced with unruly behavior which result in heavy financial burden on airlines in delays and diversions, and in disturbing the experience of other passengers on-board. Please check our page on unruly passengers to read more on this issue.
Last updated on 08 August 2019