Introduction
Security concern in the aviation industry is one area that has left many players rethinking their strategies. With the current global security threats mainly terrorism the aviation industry is riskier and the business, the fraternity has been technically compelled to devise new techniques capable of addressing security issues properly that will not only expand business horizons to the investors but also instill confidence in the public. (Australian Government, 2007)
With the stampede pace of technological advancement, the old thinking is quickly fading away and the place taken by modern ideologies. This means that the airline industry has undergone reformation stages culminating in spectacular productions and service delivery. However, despite the aggressive innovation, security remains a big hiccup in the development of the aviation industry. Insecurity in the airline industry can be grouped into external and internal. (James & Carafano, 2007)
Internal insecurity arises from the department’s failure to institute adequately functioning systems that are capable of detecting and controlling perceived risks and uncertainties. This could include encouraging the use of obsolete equipment, incompetent aircraft personnel, and being ignorant about regulations affecting the operations in the industry. (Australian Government, 2007)
External insecurity is outside the countries control and may include factors like politics, civilization clash e.g. differences in religion, cultural beliefs and economic power arising from scramble to considerable control of economic resources for instance oil.
The Aircraft and Aviation Regulatory bodies introduced some of the security procedures that should be followed to try to address the security issues in this industry. These are the so-called layers of security and include tight restrictions to information disclosure, secure handling and access control, Cargo examination, Cargo receipt and Transfer procedures. All these issues apply to any airline in the aviation industry. There has been a hot debate on whether to issue different security guidelines to the private aviation industry or not. (James & Carafano, 2007) These layers are discussed as follows:
Restriction to information disclosure
In every organization, there are prescribed ethical and moral guidelines that control the general behavior of employees when on duty. Employees are expected to be loyal to their employers whether corporate or individual personalities. Disclosing any sensitive information to the public is therefore seen to contravene these regulations. This is not different in aviation, availing any information to the public is perceived on a broad spectrum as a threat to security in the airline industry. (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2004)
Employees are bound not to attempt to nor intend neither are they under any obligatory duty to express such opinions as may be deemed fit by the company itself. This is done to eliminate any possibility of an intruder getting material information about the operations of the company or flight schedules for unauthorized use. (Australian Government, 2007)
Secure handling and access controls
It is only logical that people with relevant and technical experience are authorized to handle and access the aircraft when in the bins. This is to eliminate the risk that may be caused by inexperienced persons carelessly handling facilities in the airport. This means it should be the responsibility of the management to conduct rigorous and vigorous recruitment procedures that ensure that only technically and professionally qualified persons get the opportunities to join the organization’s workforce. This is likely to eliminate the risks of incompetence and negligence that can cause the organization dearly. For quality assurance purposes good managers are people who match their employees with the right responsibilities and authority. (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2004)
Cargo Examination
Cargo examination refers to carrying out a thorough check or search for the cargo to be transported. This is done to verify the nature, content, destination and ownership of the cargo. Cargo examination provides an opportunity to reduce the risks associated with flouting regulations. Within a country, there are prescribed types of cargo that can be handled by airlines and ones that the law highly prohibits. The examination will also reveal whether the cargo is inflammable and therefore need special attention or not. Verification of cargo will help reduce overloading and therefore eliminate the risk of accidents i.e. explosion and crash. This is why it is important to carefully analyze cargo before they are taken to the godown or flown to the final destination. (Australian Government, 2007)
Cargo receipt
At the airport, there should be strict regulations controlling the receipt and dispatch of cargo. This is done to avert any misconception that may arise as to the owner of the cargo, the quantity, the nature, and the destination. Instituting adequately functioning internal control systems will properly address these issues and help an organization reduce the inherent security concerns in this area. Receipt of Cargo can be complex especially in the most developed international airports, so the airline should be able to take the advantage of the current development in technology install relevant systems that will help them tackle all the security issues associated with the receipt.
Transfer procedures
Where an organization is transferring its passengers or cargo, this should be done with a lot of security considerations. Passenger transfers are common with big airline companies where they can make local arrangements to suit the changing circumstances. Passengers should be confident about their safety and their facilities and luggage are protected. The transferring organization should ensure that its receiving company can handle its customers and cargo without any lapse as may be experienced. (James & Carafano, 2007)
Conclusion
Security in the aviation industry has become so sensitive. Organizations that purport to provide world-class services should be at the forefront to address the security issues in the industry. The government should also ensure that the players in the industry are professionals who meet the assessment criteria by possessing relevant credentials and experience to qualify them to offer such services to the public. Finally, consumers in this industry should also see the need to promote safety standards by avoiding air pollution. If these observations are taken into consideration there is no doubt that there will be maximum security in the aviation industry.
List of References
Australian Government. (2007). Fact Sheet 5 – Air Cargo Security; the background. Web.
James J& Carafano. (2007). Keeping the Skies Friendly: Next Steps for General Aviation Security. Web.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2004).Aviation Security. Web.