Canadian Air Transport Security Authority Taps G4S, Securitas To Provide Security Services

CATSA announced today that it has selected G4S as the Security Screening Contractor for the delivery of Airport Screening Services in the Pacific Region and Securitas to handle screening at airports in the Eastern Region.  G4S Secure Solutions (Canada) will provide services at 20 airports, including Vancouver International Airport. Securitas will handle duties at 32 airports.

In a news release, G4S said the award builds on the company's recent successes in Europe and the Middle East, where it has been selected to provide aviation security services at a number of key airports. G4S provides services at 61 other airports worldwide, with services including perimeter security, airside security, passenger, baggage and cargo security screening (including behaviour observation) and various related services. 

Grahame Gibson, COO G4S plc and CEO of the Americas Region, said, "G4S always aims to be a strategic partner to its customers. The contract with CATSA represents a great opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness of partnering over the long term.  We look forward to delivering high quality services that promote an efficient screening process and a positive passenger experience, while working with CATSA to continuously improve and innovate."

The 5-year contract, with an option to extend for up to an additional five years, is valued at more than $401 million over the initial five-year term.  Screening services will commence on 1st November 2011.

In the eastern section another region of Canada, Securitas division for airport security services was selected by CATSA to provide passenger and baggage security screening services at 32 airports including designated airports in the Canadian provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador.  Total value of the agreement is approximately $483 million over a five and a half year period effective as of November 1, 2011, making it Securitas single largest customer contract. CATSA has an option to extend the agreements for up to an additional five years.

The security services and solutions that will be supplied include:

• Pre-board screening - the screening of passengers, their carry-on baggage and their personal belongings
• Hold-baggage screening – the screening of checked baggage
• Non-passenger screening – the screening of non-passengers

"Our largest specialized customer segment Aviation will now be expanding its European organization for airport security to Canada, which is in line with our business strategy of increased specialization as well as global presence. Today Aviation supply security services to over 120 airports, which has given us the necessary solid experience and knowledge to provide specialized, cost-efficient security solutions to Canadian airports," said Alf Göransson, Securitas President and CEO.

In all, four security suppliers will be providing security services to a total of 89 airports throughout Canada.

FMI: www.securitas.com, www.g4s.com