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The security of the UK aviation industry is vitally important in protecting the UK, its infrastructure and the travelling public. Our compliance team are responsible for ensuring that the aviation industry meets the security requirements set out in UK and international law, but also that where issues arise they are rectified swiftly. They make assessments based on observations, inspections, audits and tests to ensure all processes and procedures are compliant. In addition, Security Management Systems (SeMS) are being rolled out to the aviation industry and a team is in place to manage the process and its delivery.

Airports

Our airport security compliance team is responsible for assessing UK airports in a broad spectrum of areas. These include (but are not limited to):

  • the screening of passengers and airport staff, including items carried and baggage
  • the screening of airport goods
  • assessment, training and recruitment standards for all airport employees
  • ensuring the integrity of security screening equipment
  • reviewing airport infrastructure security, risk assessments and contingencies

Airlines

The secure operation of aircraft is vital for the safety of the travelling public. There are over 20 UK-registered air carriers and over 250 foreign air carriers flying into the UK on a regular basis, all of which are required to comply with UK security measures. In addition to these foreign carriers, there are many that operate ad hoc.

Our air carrier security compliance team monitor adherence to these regulations, which include (but are not limited to):

  • boarding procedures
  • aircraft search requirements
  • aircraft cockpit security
  • security training
  • recruitment

Air cargo

Around 80% of air cargo is carried on passenger aircraft so it is important that all air cargo is robustly screened to ensure that prohibited articles are not part of the flown cargo. Our cargo security compliance team audit and inspect all CAA authorised cargo regulated agents to ensure that for outbound cargo, the appropriate screening methods are invoked, and that the secure supply chain is maintained from point of origin to the point of departure. Additional oversight is also provided for transiting cargo.

Aircraft in-flight supplies

In-flight catering can make a journey more enjoyable but it needs to be secure. Our in-flight supplies security compliance team audit and inspect all CAA authorised in-flight supplies providers to ensure that they have robust procedures to prevent prohibited articles being introduced into the catering and on-board supplies.

News from UK Civil Aviation Authority

  1. Regulator signs working arrangement with Japan
  2. Plans to upgrade airspace unveiled by UK regulator
  3. Regulator Board hosted a stakeholder meet-and-greet at Farnborough Airshow