Security vetting of airport ground staff ‘too relaxed’, pilots say

The peak association representing air pilots has warned that some airport staff are gaining access to planes and equipment with minimal security screening.

While passengers are being subjected to increased screening measures in the wake of the weekend’s alleged bomb plot arrests, the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) said treatment of ground staff like baggage handlers, caterers, contractors and engineers was too relaxed at some capital city airports.

This is unlike flight crew, who undergo the same screening processes as passengers.

AFAP safety and technical officer Marcus Diamond said air crew and ground crew should be treated in the same manner.

“We are calling for consistency in screening practices at main capital city airports around Australia for different types of staff,” he said.

“At one airport you will have ground staff requiring a personal check of their aviation security card [ASIC card] and any bags they are taking airside, whereas at another one they only swipe two doors and they are in.

Source: Airport security: Ground staff should have same screening process as air crew, pilots say – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)