Department for Transport officials attended a special meeting of the EU’s Regulatory Committee for Civil Aviation Security in Brussels on 7 January 2010, at which there was discussion about the current security situation and possible responses to the incident that took place on 25 December 2009. They are keeping in regular touch with senior officials in the European Commission.
The training of check-in staff is covered by regulations issued by the Department for Transport under the Aviation Security Act 1982. These Regulations impose mandatory training on new check-in staff, and regular refresher training for existing staff.
The UK aviation security training programme is kept under regular review, both through a departmental working group, at which key industry stakeholders are represented, and regular liaison between officials and the industry. No representations have been received seeking additional training for check-in staff and there are currently no plans to introduce any.
The Department for Transport, together with the police and the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) provide airport operators with advice on landside measures to mitigate the risk to passengers, prior to being screened at the search comb.
Robust measures are in place, as a component of the National Aviation Security Programme. These measures are always subject to review, if necessary.
Robust measures are in place, as a component of the National Aviation Security Programme. These measures are always subject to review, if necessary.
Robust measures are in place, as a component of the National Aviation Security Programme. These measures are always subject to review, if necessary.
Funds from the Department for Transport’s budget have been and continue to be allocated to assist the improvement of aviation security in other countries. The Department has officials who are fully engaged in international and European fora developing and improving aviation security. In addition since 2002 the Department has had a network of five regional aviation security liaison officers (RASLOs) who are tasked to provide advice and assistance on aviation security throughout Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
The Department for Transport has held discussions with its counterparts overseas on the introduction of body scanners at airports, including those which have flights to the UK. The most detailed discussions have been with the EU and with the USA.
The Department for Transport classifies explosive trace detection as a technique/technology that has the capability to detect particulate or vapour of an explosive material.
The Department for Transport is keeping all potential threats to aviation under review, in close co-operation with European and international partners.