Some Security Operations Need To Be Tightening Up

Despite constant terrorism and security threats throughout the world, many aircraft operators are reverting to pre-September 2001 security practices when it comes to their aircraft and the VIP's they are flying.

Issy Boim, president of Air Security International (ASI), a leading worldwide provider of intelligence, security and support services, said that flight operators, if they haven't already done so, should consider protecting their assets while flying to international locations designated as moderate to high threat.

 "In light of existing worldwide threats, it is the ultimate responsibility of the operator to take the necessary precautions to reduce any and all risks," he said. "Guarding services should be another tool in a corporation's security management program that reduces an organization's vulnerability."

He pointed out that there are many places and situations around the world that warrant additional security measures. "There is still a threat, a worldwide threat," he said. "It's not just in Iraq or Pakistan. Threats are everywhere even in what you may consider very safe places."

In those circumstances and locations that warrant the use of aircraft security coverage, ASI turns to its international system of reliable local agents and vetted security providers to ensure that clients are shielded from physical harm.  

Boim warned that corporations should be particularly concerned about airports around the world that cater to general aviation. "Many airports are in areas where the threat to parked aircraft is immediate and obvious," he said. "There are other areas where there is no past history of terrorist attacks. This doesn't mean that the airport is secure. It only means that no one is expecting an attack there. Our experience tells us that terrorists always designate soft targets. Operators have to make sure that aircraft, crew and passengers do not fall into that category."

There are many operators who are putting an effort into maintaining and upgrading their home hangar space in the US, according to Boim, while forgetting about maintaining the same security when traveling abroad.

"We recommend a minimum level of security for those traveling by corporate aircraft abroad and we believe that it does not stop at the door of the aircraft, he said." "The only way that we can be certain that an aircraft and crew receives individual attention is to provide that protection through a reputable source."

FMI: www.airsecurity.com