Stop Leaving Air Cargo Security Behind

Approximately half of the world’s air cargo is transported in passenger airline holds. Freight traffic is growing worldwide about 6–7 percent per year, with the market doubling about every 10 years. More than half of the world’s air cargo traffic moves to, from, or within North America. Yet, despite air freight’s importance, the security regulations pertaining to carrying cargo transported on both passenger and all-cargo aircraft are inadequate. For example, the majority of the cargo aboard all-cargo airliners is never screened or inspected.

All airline operations, regardless of whether they primarily carry passengers or cargo, should achieve the same high level of security and safety. ALPA urges the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Transport Canada (TC) to improve cargo screening and inspection. While 100 percent inspection is not feasible, 100 percent screening is possible. ALPA supports the TSA’s planned freight assignment system (FAS), which screens cargo.

These agencies must establish for all-cargo carriers a Secure Identification Display Area (SIDA), a perimeter around passenger concourses and aircraft parking ramps within which security identification is required.

In addition, airlines must install barriers restricting access to flight decks on all-cargo aircraft.

The TSA and TC must also ensure that passengers carried aboard all-cargo aircraft are screened and must mandate effective security training for all-cargo crewmembers and staff.