European Airlines welcome EU-US air cargo security pact
The EU and USA each have their own robust air cargo security procedures, but this created duplication and inefficiency for airlines which had to comply with two separate sets of rules without any additional security benefit.
“From today, the US Transport Security Administration (TSA) and the European Commission will recognise each other’s air cargo security measures as equal to their own,” said Association of European Airlines (AEA) Manager Security and Cargo Margreet Lommerts. “This will eliminate duplication, cut equipment costs and reduce the administrative burden for our member airlines.”
Over recent months, a number of individual EU States have signed bilateral agreements with the USA, allowing airlines from these countries to follow just one set of rules. The ultimate aim was to replace these bilateral agreements with an EU-wide deal, covering all member states, which is what has been announced today.
“Duplication and a lack of regulatory harmonisation are a real challenge for airlines operating in a global market, so we would like to congratulate our regulators on reaching this deal,” concluded Miss Lommerts. “AEA’s member airlines have been calling for action on this issue for many years. This is a fantastic example of regulators listening to our concerns and creating the fertile soil which airlines need to succeed.”
Source: AEA
