The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the Secure Freight programme has gained further recognition from governments around the world. A recent report this week indicated that IATA and the Malaysia Civil Aviation Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on expanding the Secure Freight pilot scheme, which began in 2010. "The UK Department of Transport has agreed to endorse the Secure Freight principles, which paves the way for further recognition of Secure Freight principles and IATA's efforts to build supply chain security capacity across the world. The first authority to officially endorse Secure Freight principles was the Australian Office of Transport Security, last summer," stated the report. Five governments have agreed to be co-signing authorities on IATA's Information Paper on Secure Freight, which will be presented at ICAO's AVSEC Panel, 26-30 March. The countries co-signing the document include the CAAs from Malaysia, Kenya, Mexico, UAE and Chile. The Secure Freight programme works across the whole air cargo supply chain, helping to secure shipments upstream by ensuring that cargo has come from either a known consignor or regulated agent. Secure Freight evaluates the strength of a nation's aviation security infrastructure and works with the civil aviation authorities to ensure that cargo is kept sterile until it is loaded. Not only does this ensure greater security, it also helps prevent bottlenecks at airports. "IATA is working with countries to build the capability for Secure Freight implementation, including the launching of pilot programmes. The development of a consistent set of standards should facilitate the mutual recognition of secure freight programmes," said Des Vertannes, IATA's global head of cargo. The MOU was signed on the opening morning of the World Cargo Symposium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 13-15 March. Nearly 1000 cargo professionals have gathered to agree new solutions to deliver enhanced safety, security, quality and efficiency to the air freight sector. "Since it launched the first IATA Secure Freight pilot initiative, Malaysia has been at the forefront of aviation cargo security, and this MOU commits us to work together for full implementation. Secure Freight offers the prospect of enhanced security and greater efficiency in the air cargo system, which should be of great benefit to the Malaysian economy," said Tony Tyler, IATA's director general and CEO. Minister of Transport YB Dato Seri Kong Cho Ha said he was pleased that Malaysia was the pilot country for the Secure Freight programme. "The result of this close collaboration will benefit many industry players as it will reduce the complexities and costs of air cargo security, as well as ensuring that the supply chain stakeholders are working towards the same direction."
