OREANDA-NEWS. Emirates Group Security has secured RA3 certification for dnata. RA3 is short for 'Third Country EU Aviation Security Validated Regulated Agents' - a supply chain security initiative of the European Union. dnata is the first air service provider in the region to receive the RA3 certification.

The certification - granted by EU-approved and trained validators - provides dnata a distinct advantage over similar air service providers as its procedures are recognised to be compliant with EU-requirements. Emirates Group Security collaborated closely with dnata to obtain the certification for its premises in Dubai International Airport and in Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

Dr Abdulla Al Hashimi, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates Group Security commented, “Air cargo is such an important commercial aspect of the aviation industry, and therefore its security and efficiency of operations, are accorded the highest importance.

The RA3 certificate is presented to Gary Chapman, President, dnata. Also in photo are, from left to right: Rajendra Singh (AVSEC Ops Manager), Charles Yammine (Security Manager Quality Assurance), Shreemen Prabhakaran (AVSEC Security Controller) , Dr. Abdulla Al Hashimi (DSVP Group Security), Gary Chapman, Zack Zainal (DVP Group Security), Joss D Silva ( Manager Security Facilities & Risk) & Rabie Atie (VP Transguard)

“Having dnata's cargo hub both in Dubai and DWC airports RA3 certified is a significant initiative in working cooperatively with law enforcement and regulatory agencies - to strengthen measures towards safeguarding and protecting cargo.”

“Last year, dnata handled more than 1.6 million tonnes of cargo-the smooth transition of these goods is vitally important to our customers and our operations,” said Gary Chapman, President, dnata. “The RA3 certification ensures cargo moving through our Dubai facilities arrives efficiently at destinations throughout the EU.”

With the issuance of the RA3 certification, EU-member states recognise dnata at Dubai and DWC - as a regulated agent, and security controls applied on its cargo are of a standard acceptable to European Union authorities.

The RA3 certification complements the global air cargo industry's drive to meet the European Union's ACC3 requirements-the final phase of which goes into effect on 1st July 2014. ACC3 is short for 'Air Cargo or Mail Carrier operating into the Union from a Third Country Airport. Emirates Group Security recently obtained ACC3 validation for SkyCargo's Dubai hub.

“With Dubai and DWC being major hubs in the global supply chain, it is imperative that local stakeholders in supply chain processes demonstrate a commitment to best practices in air cargo security. Emirates Group Security places the highest commitment in the security and efficiency of Emirates' air cargo operations, ensuring that we apply robust measures to guarantee that our air cargo are adequately screened and free from prohibited items,” Dr Al Hashimi concluded.