OREANDA-NEWS. Emirates has successfully completed the validation process for the European Union-initiated ACC3 security regulation, becoming the region's first air carrier to do so. ACC3 is short for 'Air Cargo or Mail Carrier operating into the Union from a Third Country Airport.' The validation ensures Emirates SkyCargo's uninterrupted services into the EU.

Through close collaboration between Emirates Group Security and SkyCargo, Emirates completed the ACC3 security validation at the Dubai hub before the deadline on 1st July 2014. Failure to complete the validation would have potentially prohibited Emirates from transporting cargo into the European Union - severely disrupting SkyCargo's operations. Emirates' air cargo business accounts for over 15 per cent of the airline's total transport revenue.

Commenting on this achievement, Dr Abdulla Al Hashimi, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President-Group Security said, “We placed the highest priority on the inspection and validation of our cargo operations in Dubai being the hub for our operations. Emirates is seeking similar validation at other stations from where Emirates regularly operates freighter flights direct to the European Union. Working with law enforcement stakeholders and business units, Emirates Group Security has spearheaded the validation task. We take pride in the fact that we're the first carrier in the region to complete this ACC3 requirement.”

The ACC3 certificate is presented to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum and Mr Tim Clark. Also in photo are: (from left to right) Joss D Silva, Manager, Security Facilities & Risk Management; Zack Zainal, Divisional Vice President, Group Security; Dr. Abdulla Al Hashimi, Divisional Senior Vice President, Group Security; and Rabie Atie, Vice President, Transguard.

An approved, independent inspector reviewed the air cargo processing and security measures in place at SkyCargo's facility in Dubai. The Department for Transport of the United Kingdom of Great Britain granted Emirates' ACC3 status on behalf of the EU.

The EU introduced ACC3 regulation in 2012 requiring carriers to meet EU-standards on cargo screening measures; documentation; identification and processing of high-risk cargo; and staff recruitment as well as training. Emirates is set to obtain ACC3 validation at additional airports from which Emirates operates direct flights into the EU before the July deadline.

With the transport of air cargo being such an important commercial aspect of Emirates' core business, Emirates Group Security places the highest importance to protecting and safeguarding the company's cargo interests.

“While the ACC3 validation is specifically for carriers with cargo bound for the EU, Emirates Group Security is constantly reviewing processes to ensure that all cargo being transported, including those on passenger aircraft, are effectively screened and free from prohibited items. It is our priority to study and look at how we can further integrate such stringent security standards into a larger worldwide Supply Chain Security System,” Dr Al Hashimi added.