Weekly News (8 Feb - 15 Feb /2010)

AUSTRALIA

On Tuesday (09/02), the Australian Government announced a comprehensive package of measures to strengthen Australia's international and domestic aviation security regime against emerging threats. There will be an immediate increase in the number of passengers who will be subject to explosive trace detection at major international and domestic airports. The Government will provide $17.7 million to increase the number of AFP officers patrolling airports, and will increase the number of Explosive Detection Dogs by 50%. The government also announced a trial, in partnership with the US & UK, on technology-based solutions to assist in further improvements to the detection of liquids-based explosives.  The Government also announced a grant of $54 million to assist in the installation of cargo ETD and x-ray screening technology.


On Thursday (11/02), in response to the government's $200 million to enhancing aviation security, it was reported that of 11 hijack incidents since 1960 involving Australian domestic aircraft, all were by mentally-ill persons acting alone. The report claimed that the Government’s focus should therefore be on securing US-bound flights with a secondary effort concentrated on US carriers headed for non-US destinations.


ESTONIA

On Monday (08/02), it was reported that an anonymous caller claimed that there were explosives on board an unspecified flight operated by Estonian Air. Talinn Airport (TLL) was temporarily evacuated, and a decision was made to temporarily suspend company operations at both TLL and Tartu (TAY) while security forces carried out searches of aircraft and terminal buildings. Nothing unusual was found. An Estonian national was charged in connection with the threats. He had been denied boarding on an Estonian flight from TLL to London Gatwick (LGW) earlier in the week. He was subsequently convicted and received a seven month sentence, five of which were suspended. He was also ordered to pay costs of US$10,000 to the airline.


INDIA

On Sunday (14/02), a SpiceJet B737 was directed to a remote stand when it landed at Kolkata Airport (CCU) on a flight from Chennai (MAA) after a message claiming that there was a bomb on board was discovered written on a piece of toilet tissue in a restroom. The aircraft was evacuated and searched by CISF officers. All pax and baggage were rescreened, but nothing unusual was found.


JAPAN

On Monday (08/02), it was reported that the body of a stowaway was discovered in the landing gear bay of a Delta Airlines B777 that had arrived at Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) from New York Kennedy (JFK). The aircraft had been towed to a maintenance area, where the body was discovered by engineers carrying out a routine inspection. The male stowaway was described as having a dark complexion, and was dressed in blue jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. He was not carrying a passport or personal belongings. It is thought unlikely that the man stowed away on the JFK-NRT sector, but possibly remained undetected from a previous sector.


NIGERIA

On Tuesday (09/02), it was reported that the Government has threatened to withdraw the AOC of any carrier which does not comply with new security regulations at Nigerian airports. The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said that new body screening equipment would be installed at four of the country’s airports, and that the majority of operators are in compliance with new regulations on safety and security which meet international standards. He added that the country hopes to secure Category 1 certification by the US FAA which would enable Nigerian registered aircraft to fly direct to the US.


TAJIKISTAN

On Friday (12/02), it was reported that the former head of Customs at Khudjant Airport (LBD) was convicted of extortion and money laundering, and sent to prison for eight years. The court was told how he accepted a bribe of US$900 from a passenger found in possession of a reported US$700K. The customs chief then facilitated the illegal export of the cash.


UNITED STATES

On Wednesday (10/02), a woman was arrested on suspicion of stealing at least 25 bags of luggage valued at more than $11,800 from carousels at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX). Sabrina Zotter was suspected of stealing luggage during the past seven months but in an interview with Police claimed she had been stealing bags for the past two years. CCTV footage showed the suspect carrying stolen bags to a rented pick-up truck. ANPR cameras assisted in the identification of the owner.


On Friday (12/02), it was reported that the TSA plans to give more security staff access to better intelligence that could help stop terrorist attacks on planes. The 10,000 staff in line to get classified information are managers, supervisors and "behavior detection officers" who roam airports looking for suspicious persons. The information will give workers details about terrorist tactics, planning, operations and threats. A TSA spokeswoman said that the intelligence would "give context to things they see every day which may otherwise not appear unusual" and let workers "exercise discretion" in dealing with passengers.


On Tuesday (09/02), it was reported that The Fiqh Council of North America has issued an edict stating that airport body scanners violate Islamic rules on modesty. The Council said "It is a violation of clear Islamic teachings that men or women be seen naked by other men and women. The Quran has commanded the believers, both men and women, to cover their private parts." US Airports offer those who prefer not to use the scanners, the option of a hand search. However, the guidelines in the UK do not permit pax to choose their preferred method of screening.


TSA Weekly Stats (25th - 31st January, 2010) - (Apologies - No new stats published)

5 artfully concealed prohibited items found at checkpoints

17 firearms found at checkpoints

21 pax arrested due to suspicious behaviour or fraudulent travel documents