The use of a business aviation airport to launch a terrorist attack is inevitable unless security is increased, according to a new study.
Air Security International (ASI) conducted security audits at around a quarter of all fixed-base operations (FBO) in the USA and found that most had no planning for a security incident, unlike their detailed plans for an accident, says vice-president of operations Charlie LeBlanc. "FBOs are badly lacking in security, especially in parking areas, food preparation areas and perimeters," says LeBlanc. "Corporate aviation is a soft target, and is also a symbol of western capitalism, and so it is likely to become a tool in future anti-US attacks," he adds.
FBOs need to protect flight crews when travelling to global troublespots and should use trained bodyguards as chauffeurs to minimise risk, he says. The company, which carries out trip planning in less developed countries for business aviation operators, says any confidentiality of movements of top exec- utives can be countered by bribes to FBO staff, and frequent changes to itineraries are therefore necessary.
ASI says the risk of shoulder-launched missiles is particularly high in North Africa, and business aircraft operators in the region need to ensure nothing resembling a schedule occurs in itineraries.
Source: Flight International