Running Head: Aviation Cargo Security

Aviation Cargo Security - The Weakest

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Student Number
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Aviation Cargo Security
Executive Summary

This report briefly reviews the air cargo system, its major sources of security threats and

challenges, the current security measures and initiatives taken by the industry and International

bodies, the underlying causes of the security gaps and recommendations to improve the security

measures. The information gathered for the report is from reputed secondary sources; its

references are provided at the end of this report.

Table of Contents
Executive Summary ...................................................................................................2
Introduction : Overview of Air Cargo System ..........................................................4
The Security Threats ..................................................................................................4
Explosives and Inflammable materials ...................................................................5
Illegal Shipping of Hazardous Materials ................................................................5
Criminal activities ...................................................................................................5
Hijack of the Aircraft and Sabotage of the Infrastructure ......................................6
Current Security Measures .........................................................................................6
Why Cargo Security remains as a weak Link? ..........................................................8
Solutions to Improving Aviation Cargo Security ......................................................9
Conclusion ...............................................................................................................11
References ................................................................................................................12
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Aviation Cargo Security

Introduction: Overview of Air Cargo System

Though Air cargo is often relatively small percentage of the value of total commerce of a

country, it has important bearing on every country’s economic prosperity. Air cargo is

disproportionately important to a country’s economy not only because it provides employment to

professionals and skilled workers, or generates revenue. But, it serves to enhance the economic

competitiveness of a country through links to global markets. The industries such as electronics,

telecoms, etc. which needs extreme care during transportation and transit, the industries such as

pharmaceuticals, bio-tech, food processing, etc. which runs on urgency factor, and any sector

that requires high reliability and predictability depend on air cargo services. Due to the increased

impact of the globalization, the use of international and domestic air cargo services is certain to

increase, and along with, the challenges to manage it.

There are two kinds of cargo in aviation, one is passenger and the other is shipper driven. The air

cargo is either boarded on passenger carriers or in all-cargo aircrafts. The system that governs

the management of consignments in aviation is complex and multi-faceted. It is a network of

discrete entities or organizations with unique roles, responsibilities and functions, and the usual

cargo elements include mails, packages and freight. All Air cargo is handled with the

participation of shippers, freight forwarders, ground handlers and air craft operators, and with

cooperation and collaboration of these entities, the air cargo is moved with efficiency.

The Security Threats

The security of air cargo is becoming an increasingly important element in the aviation industry,

because the existing system is insufficient. The common threats include illegal shipment of

unauthorized materials, smuggling, hijacking the aircraft, terrorist activities of placing explosives
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Aviation Cargo Security
or lethal materials, domestic pilferages, etc. Some of the major security threats are described in

this report.

Explosives and Inflammable materials

Undetected, but deliberately placed explosives or inflammable materials in the air cargo are the

most dangerous threats its security. National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United

States, (2004) states that though, placing explosives in cargo piles is historically rare, because of

the heightened vigilance in the passenger management system, the terrorists may choose cargo as

the target. After the 9/11 attacks, many security experts have highlighted air cargo as a potential

target for terrorists because screening and examination of packages are not extensive (Schneider,

G. 2002).

Illegal Shipping of Hazardous Materials

Most explosives and gases that are highly ignitable are prohibited for air transportation. But,

many properly handled and packaged hazardous materials are allowed in the aircrafts with

proper certification and authorization. U.S. General Accounting Office (2003) reports that

because of the high cost of certification, authorization and packing, sometimes the consignors

illegally pack the hazardous materials for dispatch. Such consignors do not declare the risks

involved in handling and transporting the hazardous materials.

Criminal activities

Pilfering of goods from warehouse or aircraft, and smuggling of banned, counterfeit, and pirated

materials are considered as air cargo crimes. These crimes though do not bring any physical

harm to the individuals or properties; it is damaging to the legal economic system (Burges D.
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2013). The past records show that a large portion of cargo crime is committed with the co-

operation of employees in the cargo handling department.

Hijack of the Aircraft and Sabotage of the Infrastructure

Because of the redundant and stringent procedural and technological system, hijacking and

sabotage cannot be carried out by ordinary individuals or groups (U.S. General Accounting

Office, 2002). Episodes of hijackings by individuals who have access to aircraft are extremely

rare, but it is reported that some violent incidents by disgruntled employees have carried out

sabotages. However, now the highly skilled terrorist groups with the help of employees within

the cargo division carry out pre-planned capture of aircraft.

Current Security Measures

Several technological, legislative and procedural initiatives are taken to mitigate and avoid the

cargo security risks. These measures are taken to enhance security to the cargo and

infrastructure, and deter mercenaries, terrorists and criminals (Sweet, K. M. 2007). Some of the

key procedural initiatives recently introduced are “known shipper” program to segregate the

responsible shippers from suspects; increase in cargo inspections by authorities from various

levels; establishment of robust physical security of air cargo facilities; increase in overseeing the

air cargo operations; implementation of key training on security measures to the cargo personnel;

establishment of stringent controls to access cargo aircraft, warehouse, and critical operations;

and conduct of security audits by experts in the field.

Technology has tremendously helped to solve many of security issues not only for the cargo, but

also in passenger tracking system (Moore, S. 2015). Some of the technological initiatives taken
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Aviation Cargo Security
to raise the security of the cargo operations include, introduction of tamper-resistant and tamper-

evident packing, and containerization to control the pilferage; placement of explosive detection

systems at key transit points; set up of non-invasive, reliable and quicker cargo screening

technologies; replacing ordinary containers with blast-resistant cargo bins; and placing biometric

systems verify worker identification, control access to key areas and track employee movements.

For several decades, screening and examination of air cargo is an effective means for detecting

explosives, incendiary and hazardous materials, smuggled goods and commercial malpractices

(Moore, S. 2015). The legislations on aviation and security in many countries provide mandatory

provisions to carry out screening, checks, and security activities on the passengers and cargo. It

is known to most travelers that cargo carried with passengers must be screened or be inspected

by security personnel. Every shipper must establish the identity, and declare the nature of goods

to the cargo authorities before the packages are accepted for air transportation. The security

regulations mandate that each passenger aircraft operator and other air carriers develop its own

security program for acceptance and screening of cargo. This may be redundant screening and

inspection practice, but it places responsibility of security on all entities in cargo division, and

would help to prevent or deter the carriage of unlawful explosives or illegitimate cargo.

An international body formed under the auspices of United Nations also regulates and guides its

member nations to adopt healthy security practices. The International Civil Aviation

Organization (ICAO, u.d) specializes in setting up general rules and principles for security of

civilian aviation and prevention of illegal interference. This body is developing an international

security template, and also conducts various audits to check the compliance level of each

country, and its airports. Similarly, IATA is constantly developing global standards such as the

Consignment Security Declaration (CSD) and its electronic version (e-CSD), to monitor the
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Aviation Cargo Security
security aspects of the cargo (IATA, 2015) to improve air cargo security in compliance with

country and International regulations.

There are sufficient security practices from all quarters in the air cargo division; still there are

gaps in the system.

Why Cargo Security remains as a weak Link?

In spite of various security initiatives by the government, security agency, the aircraft operators,

freight forwarders, shippers, etc. there remains challenges to the aviation cargo security. Various

published information from ICAO indicate that security function and framework in aviation

cargo is not satisfactory. Some of the reasons for the weaknesses in the cargo security are

unearthed from the studies of reputed organizations and articles by the experts.

One of the most often observed and pointed out fact is that the aviation security system is

lopsided in favor of passenger security system (Moore, S. 2015). In any airports, the security

system gives more focus to the passenger protection, and the cargo transportation is given lesser

priority.

Because cargo transportation is complex and involves multiple stakeholders, there is a tendency

to move around the responsibilities and liabilities among them. Often, the shippers, freight

forwarders, ground handlers, aircraft crew and regulatory authorities blame each others for the

flaws in procedures and spend lesser time in implementing the needed security measures (Elias,

B. 2007). Most employees in their respective organizations approach the daily issues with

bureaucratic mindset rather the sensitivity required for security services.

the aviation industry in terms of performance and security, the member organizations sometimes

interpret the guidelines differently and implement systems that are influenced by the local factors

(Elias, B. 2007). Bringing a uniform code of practice across the globe is apparently difficult to

achieve.

Many times, an inherent inconsistency is experienced by the cargo personnel .i.e. authorities

often have conflict between commercial priority and the security matters. For a nation, the

commerce as well as the security is important, but it is difficult to reconcile both in everyday

operations (Moore, S. 2015). For example, in order to favor the commerce, the security agent has

to allow the cargo to go without the stringent checks to avoid damage to the goods in transit.

Finally, most of the security regulations are formulated based on the experiences in security

breaches and shocking events. The rules and procedures are being formulated as reactive steps.

Rarely, proactive implementations and legislations are brought out. A forward looking vision or

strategy for air cargo security is not available in most of the airports, in spite of the advances in

research and development in cargo handling technology, management, and security techniques.

Solutions to Improving Aviation Cargo Security

In order to enhance safety, improve security and bring out effective regulations, the stakeholders

and participants in the supply chain of aviation cargo should apply their innovative minds and

implement practices with the help of other stakeholders.

First of all, the airports must optimize the air cargo supply chain operations for every product or

commodity type for a region. For example, an airport having flower exporters around it must

develop systems that would enable the export of flowers in a transparent, reliable and predictable
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manner. Such industry focused optimization will enhance the revenue growth in the region,

increase value of the air cargo, and would be easier to manage the security and safety related to

flower industry.

Second, the airport authorities must give priority to safety and security. Instead of relying on

internal experts, the authorities may identify external experts and develop a panel to plan safety

measures for the emerging security needs. However, implementation may be carried over by the

internal staff. The customers’ genuine need for shipment of hazardous goods may be directed to

the external panel members for guidance. Also, the airports and air craft operators can jointly

develop solutions to transport hazardous materials, if they are of commercial importance.

The critical part of this report is associated with security; and airport security cannot be

considered in isolation. The commercial viability and the economic growth of the region also

must be taken into consideration while implementing security measures. Along with security

measures, other aspects of airline industry also must be considered. The following suggestions

may be considered for increasing the security of the cargo operations in conjunction with

economic aspects.

 Establish effective and efficient cargo screening and inspection system with the help of

technology and dedicated personnel

 Implement ‘Known Shipper’ schemes, i.e. for shippers who have track record of

responsible, cooperative, and trusted approach to business, certain privileges may be

offered such as faster clearing of consignment, green channels, etc. Packages from

unknown shippers may be scrutinized thoroughly.

developed through the expert panel and based on recommendations from IATA, ICAO,

etc.

 The physical security of the cargo may be enhanced with warehouses having robust

boundaries and access controls

 Deploy the personnel working in security division with training in topical issues of the

security

Finally, the cargo security is a community issue too. The officials must involve the local

community also into the security function, and make collaborative efforts. Not only the formal

elements of the security must participate in the supply chain, the informal community members

and the external knowledge panel also be accepted as part of the system. A leadership, to

integrate the components of cargo security as well the community resources, is required,

irrespective of the legislations and regulatory controls.

Conclusion

The air cargo services are critical to the economy of a region and country, and their requirement

is bound to grow. However, the security challenges are also changing with the growth in the

cargo traffic. Though there are systems to enhance the security of the air cargo, there are various

gaps that need to be addressed. In this secondary research report, five important reasons are

identified to answer why the security of the air cargo is less than satisfactory. Based on

observation and the review of literature, a few suggestions are also provided to improve the air

cargo security.
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Aviation Cargo Security

References

Burges D (2013). Air cargo security. Cargo theft, loss prevention, and supply chain security.
Elsevier,Waltham, MA, In, pp. 229–235.
Dullea, E. (2007). Aviation Security Cargo versus Passenger: Can Separate Ever Be Equal
Yes.Transportation Law Journal 34(2), 185-210.
Elias, Bart. (2007). Air Cargo Security: CRS Report for Congress. Available from
www.fas.org/sgp/crs/homesec/RL32022.pdf. RL32022. [Accessed 19th October 2016]
IATA (2015). IATA Cargo Strategy, August 2015. Available from
https://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/Documents/cargo-strategy.pdf. [Accessed on 19th October
2016]
ICAO (ud). SARPs - Standards and Recommended Practices, Available from
http://www.icao.int/safety/SafetyManagement/Pages/SARPs.aspx [Accessed on 19th October
2016]
Moore, S. (2015). Closing the gaps in air cargo security. Journal of Transportation Security, 8(3-
4), 115-137.
National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States (2004). The 9/11Commission
Report, New York: W.W. Norton & Company, pp 321.
Schneider, Greg (2002). “Terror Risk Cited for Cargo Carried on Passenger Jets; 2 Reports List
Security Gaps.” The Washington Post, June 10, 2002.
Sweet, K. M. (2007). Air Cargo Security - The Cost of Doing Business in the 21st Century,
Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research, 16(3). Accessed from
http://commons.erau.edu/jaaer/vol16/iss3/1 [Accessed on 19th October 2016]
U.S. General Accounting Office (2002). Aviation Security: Vulnerabilities and Potential
Improvements for the Air Cargo System, 03-334, December 2002.
U.S. General Accounting Office (2003). Aviation Safety: Undeclared Air Shipments of
Dangerous Goods and DOT’s Enforcement Approach, 03-22, January 2003.