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."