Dubai announces new security steps for cargo companies

Dubai: A new initiative to enhance aviation security by ensuring that cargo companies follow necessary measures will be launched soon, Dubai Police’s Aviation Security Department announced on Monday.

The initiative, entitled ‘Appointed Forwarder’ will ensure that only approved companies, who take all security measures to protect their cargo, will be able to send and receive air freight directly.

Other companies will have to go through one of the approved companies to make sure their shipments pose no hazard, Brigadier Ahmad Bin Thani, Director of the Department, said.

“Big companies usually take necessary security measures to ensure the safety of their aircraft as well as to protect their reputation, but not all small companies follow the same procedures,” he said.

Speaking at a press conference held to announce the Ninth Civil Aviation Security Directors Training Conference of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), to start in Dubai today, Brig Bin Thani said the details of the initiative will be announced soon by Dubai Civil Aviation Department.

Representatives from 21 countries unanimously voted for Dubai to host the yearly meeting, which is held in a different country every year.

The main focus of the conference this year will be virtual and remote training, which reduce the burden on the human cadre, increase efficiency and reduces mistakes.

“The 2020 strategic plan announced by Dubai Airports aims to increase the volumes of passengers, aircraft traffic and cargo, and this means more employees and equipment to cope with the increasing traffic,” Brig Bin Thani said.

“We have over 3,700 employees at the department, and 600 more who have completed their training or are being trained to be ready by the time Concourse 3 opens in 2012,” he added.

ICAO endorsed 23 aviation security centres, who meet every year to discuss security and training changes and requirements. This year’s conference in Dubai is held under the patronage of Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Dubai Police Chief, and runs from March 6 to 8.