Mumbai: Airlines will have to comply with the European Union (EU)'s new norms for air cargo security by July 1 or face a ban at the region's airports. Airlines will now have to ensure cargo bound for the region is screened or comes from a secure supply chain. Airlines, including European ones, will need a security verification certificate for cargo operations at an airport outside the region. This means airlines will need to get their cargo security processes followed at the airports (from where the cargo is shipped) audited by EU-authorised validators. The International Air Cargo Association has warned of implementation challenges, though airports and cargo operators in India are confident of meeting the deadline.
Air India and Jet Airways did not respond to emails.
Airports have begun steps to comply with the norms. "The government could have lobbied with EU and secured an exemption from the verification process," an industry source said. In April-November 2013, airports in India handled 950,000 tonnes of international freight.
Air India and Jet Airways fly to Europe. Jet earns eight-10 per cent of its revenue from cargo. European airlines, including Lufthansa and KLM (Martinair), have direct passenger and freighter flights between India and Europe. Gulf carriers carry cargo from India to Europe and onward to the US via their West Asian hubs. X-ray screening at airports in India is done by the airline or Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)-approved agents. The responsibility of securing items in warehouses rests with the airline.
17/02/14 Aneesh Phadnis/Business Standard
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Air India and Jet Airways did not respond to emails.
Airports have begun steps to comply with the norms. "The government could have lobbied with EU and secured an exemption from the verification process," an industry source said. In April-November 2013, airports in India handled 950,000 tonnes of international freight.
Air India and Jet Airways fly to Europe. Jet earns eight-10 per cent of its revenue from cargo. European airlines, including Lufthansa and KLM (Martinair), have direct passenger and freighter flights between India and Europe. Gulf carriers carry cargo from India to Europe and onward to the US via their West Asian hubs. X-ray screening at airports in India is done by the airline or Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)-approved agents. The responsibility of securing items in warehouses rests with the airline.
17/02/14 Aneesh Phadnis/Business Standard
