Abu Dhabi: The global strategy for aviation security needs to focus on new and emerging threats so that pre-emptive measures at airports, aircraft and air traffic control systems can be taken, UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Chairman Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri said here yesterday.
Delivering the opening speech at a two-day aviation security seminar, Al Mansouri said there's a need to continually monitor and upgrade security processes.
"Terrorist threats have shifted significantly from conventional explosive devices to modern binary explosives which are more difficult to detect," he added.
Al Mansouri said the tragic events of 9/11 served as a wake-up call to the aviation community about the vulnerabilities of air travel. It caused governments, airport authorities, airlines and others involved in aviation security to urgently review the risk and response mechanisms.
"The risk is global and likewise our response must be global. If we are all in it together, we should act together," he said.
Al Mansouri said there has been extraordinary growth in the aviation sector in the Middle East and that is reflected in the numerous new terminals being built and aircraft purchased.
"Our fundamental objective must always be to protect passengers, crews, ground personnel and the general public who use or work in our transportation network in a constantly changing and unpredictable threat environment," he added.
Al Mansouri said one of the key focus areas is to expedite the clearance of passengers while at the same time maintaining the highest level of security.
"Measures to facilitate the flow of passengers and goods must be effective, internationally coordinated, and applied with the greatest possible consideration for passenger convenience," he added.
Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano said they are working closely with Muslim, Arab and South Asian communities to ensure their rights and liberties are protected, especially during times of crises.
