OREANDA-NEWS. Emirates Group Security has become the first aviation and airline security organization in the region to be awarded with the TAPA (Transported Asset Protection Association) Air Cargo Security Standard (TACSS) certifications for its cargo facilities.

TACSS is a new TAPA certification program which consolidates security solutions for air cargo, including best known methods from industry and government compliance programs. The TACSS process asseses threats such as theft and use of cargo for terrorist purposes. TACSS can be used with other independent, regulatory and TAPA requirements.

All of Emirates' cargo facilities, for both SkyCargo and dnata, are now TACSS certified. These include Freight Gate 1 at Cargo Terminal Operation; Freight Gate 3&5 at the Free Zone Logistics Centre); Cargo Mega Terminal (CMT) & Emirates Cargo Centre (ECC); Emirates Group Security/Transguard (including Valuable Handling, Cash in Transit, Cash Management Centre); Freight Gate 6 at Dubai Flower Centre); and Freight Gate 8 at Dubai World Central.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Abdulla Al Hashimi, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates Group Security said, “These certifications are testament to our commitment to high level security standards and to maintaining integrity throughout the supply chain. We are indeed proud that all of our cargo facilities have been awarded the TACSS certifications, which are recognized globally as the industry standard for cargo facility and transport security. For our customers - this means they can be assured that we adhere to the strictest criteria in safeguarding their business.”

The TACSS certifications are timely with many global regulatory bodies giving emphasis on strengthening the civil aviation industry against activities and acts of unlawful interference. Emirates Group Security recently received ACC3 and RA3 validations, both EU-initiated security requirements, for SkyCargo and dnata.

“The aviation security industry is constantly changing, with new regulations, technologies and controls. The challenge is managing the security function to ensure the business profitability of the civil aviation industry. Security should not be seen as a stand-alone entity, but as an integral, fundamental and indispensable component of the industry - well integrated with other operations and a catalyst for growth,” added Dr Al Hashimi.

An example is how Emirates Group Security worked closely with other stakeholders such as Dubai Duty Free (DDF). DDF - being a supplier of consumer merchandise to Dubai Airport, and consequently to airlines and their passengers - it was imperative to secure TACSS certification for its warehouse and handling chain at the airport. DDF is now the first retail business to achieve this certification.

Mr Zayed Al Shebli, Manager Security DDF, commented, “As an organisation, we need to realise that we cannot achieve the results and service levels we want without working in partnership with others. Therefore we have to engage with and get every stakeholder to develop security regimes that are practical , industry specific - one that balances well with facilitation while at the same time a potent solution in the fight against criminal activities and acts of unlawful interference. We thank Emirates Group Security for its support and assistance in the pursuit of this certification. “