Delegates demand more clarity and consistency
The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) is vowing to renew pressure on governments over security in the wake of the heightened levels imposed in the UK from 10 August. Checks were stepped up after security services uncovered an alleged plot to blow up several transatlantic airliners in co-ordinated suicide attacks.
Many airline delegates at last week’s ERA general assembly in Barcelona said they regard inefficient and inconsistent security throughout Europe as a particular threat to regional carriers, because the extra time required for screening crews and passengers lengthens crew duty days and could drive travellers to seek alternative forms of transport.
In an open session, ERA member carrier delegates did not question the need for effective security in the face of recognised threats, but were clearly incensed by systems that require passengers to undergo repeated checks during interlining, and by the disparity of standards throughout the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) states that have become particularly apparent since the 10 August security hike, and which threw London’s airports into a chaos that had extensive repercussions throughout Europe.
Session chairman Padraigh O’Ceidigh, executive chairman of Aer Arann, summarised the concerns that emerged from the floor. These included: the inequity of government requirements for aviation security compared with other modes of transport combined with a lack of financial responsibility for security provision; unnecessary repetition and duplication of passenger screening; lack of clarity from government as to what the response to given levels of threat should be; and lack of consistency across the ECAC states in the interpretation and implementation of European Commission security legislation.
Keynote speaker Fernando Conte Garcia, chairman of the Iberia Group, contrasted the airline industry’s contribution to Europe’s economy with the lack of investment by national governments in the security of its citizens when they choose air travel, and he slammed continuing subsidies to other modes of public transport. He called for “more effective participation [on security legislation and practice] in Brussels and in each individual EU government”, and also for a public awareness campaign on the issues involved.
ERA general manager technical services Nick Mower says the ERA is working with the Association of European Airlines and the International Air Carriers Association to get more clarity and consistency in security policy across the continent via the European Commission and ECAC.
Source: Flight International
