OREANDA-NEWS. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Secretariat of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen, promote, and develop cooperation on aviation facilitation and border integrity issues—two of the key components for governments to fulfill their national security responsibilities.

Under the MoU, IATA and OSCE have agreed to work on issues including harmonized passenger data exchange programs, border security, airport security and the security of travel documents (including issuance).

A particularly key issue for the aviation industry is aligning the requirements for Advance Passenger Information (API) with global standards, which include IATA and World Customs Organization guidelines, and the provisions of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 9. IATA welcomes the OSCE’s co-operation among its 57 participating States on this increasingly important matter. The provision of more data on passengers to border control authorities in advance of arrival should also lead to more effective screening of passengers and reduced wait-times.

“Aviation security is a top priority for IATA and its members. With passenger numbers set to double over the next 20 years, it is essential that the global aviation security network is fit for purpose. IATA and OSCE are natural partners in the security facilitation and border integrity fields. We share the objective of achieving a more efficient and effective aviation security system,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

“Our organizations enjoy excellent co-operation in the areas of aviation facilitation, national security and border integrity. The signing of this Memorandum marks another important milestone in further expanding and strengthening this co-operation. We are very pleased to join hands with IATA today to promote aviation security and facilitation measures in furthering the implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 2178 on Foreign Terrorist Fighters, and 2309 on aviation security across the OSCE region,” said Lamberto Zannier, Secretary General of OSCE.

To ensure a close working relationship, OSCE and IATA have agreed to share information, consult each other on policy issues, participate in each other’s relevant committees, and work on joint training and technical assistance