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A|D|S : UK opportunity to take the lead in promoting global aviation security
The security of the world's aviation network is a longstanding issue but it has never been more complex. In a globalised world, multiple security risks affect the system and it is accepted that many of these do not respect international borders
The security supply community has an important role to play in delivering aviation security. There is a requirement for industry to provide solutions within the context of a challenging global economy and an from international terrorism.
The events of 11 September 2001, the foiled liquid bomb attack in 2006 and the attempted Detroit bombing on Christmas day 2009 have resulted in the need to strengthen airport security. The latest attempted attack has also raised higher up the political agenda a number of important issues, such as the financing of airport security in a harsh economic climate and an ongoing debate surrounding privacy laws and human rights following the deployment of full body scanners in airports. These are core issues that place constraints on what can be achieved by operators and industry suppliers in aviation security. Against this backdrop what is the way forward for aviation security?
Taking into consideration the legitimate concerns for privacy issues, it is important to note that the public has a significant role to play in the future of aviation security. The public's awareness of the threats facing the aviation network - and its understanding of what is required to prevent those threats - is central to the determination of aviation security policy. More could be done to raise the public's awareness of new security measures at airports and on board aircraft.
The emergence of any new public debate on aviation security should recognize that full body scanning technology is only one part of the response. It should also acknowledge that aviation security must be delivered within a number of "domains"; all of which require the development and implementation of industrial solutions. Security solutions must be delivered on "land" in and around airports, in the "air" and within "cyberspace". The multi-faceted nature of aviation security means that the risk environment is unpredictable. This indicates that a holistic approach is required in order to develop solutions that are more sophisticated than the potential threats.
In considering the way forward for aviation security it is also important to think more about how industry is contributing to the delivery on national security policy more broadly. The second iteration of the UK's Strategy for Countering International Terrorism (CONTEST), published in March 2009, acknowledged that the UK now depends on the private sector to deliver security. The UK Security and Resilience Industry Suppliers' Community (RISC), formed in 2007, has provided a useful conduit for industry to engage with Government on security related matters. It is through alliances such as RISC that industry now has a better understanding of the Government's priorities in countering terrorism and other security risks, and therefore where it can in turn focus its own resources. It will be important that the activities of RISC continue in the future and that aviation security considerations feature highly in the discussions between Government and industry.
While the policy framework for engaging industry and delivering aviation security is vital to identifying what is required to protect the public, it is equally as important to consider how aviation security will be financed in the future. In the wake of the attempted Detroit bombing, Governments are likely to make increasing demands on airport operators and airlines to implement new security measures. However, in the context of the current economic conditions how much further can government and the private sector realistically invest in aviation security? Industry and government must work together to identify the most cost-effective solutions and create a solid foundation for ongoing investment.
Finally, the international dimension of delivering aviation security must be recognized. While new EU regulations are seen to have "raised the game" of aviation security arrangements, it is increasingly acknowledged that global aviation security standards could be raised even further. The UK now has the opportunity to take the lead in promoting the need for stronger global security regulation. This could result in the adoption of more robust aviation security arrangements across the world.
Aviation security is by nature a multi-layered and global system. The UK security industry has an important role to play in many aspects of securing the network. By working in close partnership, government and industry can develop new ways to secure the aviation security system for the future.
Ian Godden, A|D|S - the UK's AeroSpace, Defence and Security trade organisation
