The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has warned against any ‘over-reaction’ by governments towards air passengers travelling with personal electronic devices (PEDs), such as laptops, tablets, and mobile phones.

 

It says that air passengers are already subject to ‘onerous and inconsistent security screening’, while recent bans on laptops and large PEDs in airline cabins implemented by the US and UK on inbound flights from specific foreign airports raise many unanswered questions.

 

AAPA also adds that these changes have also led to significant changes in airline operations and disruption to the travelling public.

 

LITHIUM BATTERY ISSUE REMAINS UNRESOLVED…

The association said: “Implemented at short notice without prior consultation with the airline industry, this has led to scenes of confusion at affected airports, as airlines scramble to comply with the new directives whilst at the same time, addressing unhappy passengers who can no longer have the use of their devices in the aircraft cabin.

 

“In addition, safety issues relating to large numbers of lithium battery powered PEDs being stowed in an aircraft cargo bay, contrary to recognized best safety practices, remain unresolved.”

 

Adding his comments, Andrew Herdman, Director General of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) said: “AAPA understands the need to maintain the highest levels of security in air transportation and airlines are committed to working closely with government security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that air travel remains safe, secure and convenient.

 

BEWARE UNDERMINING PUBLIC CONFIDENCE…

“Despite recent events, public confidence in the safety and security of air travel remains high. It would be a tragedy if that confidence were to be undermined by ill-judged reactionary measures being misguidedly imposed by those entrusted with maintaining public safety.”

 

He added: “The ripple effects of such measures and their proposed wider expansion, threaten to disrupt the global economy and impose far greater costs on society with no tangible public security benefits. This would only serve to further the aims of the terrorists, who measure their success by how much society over-reacts to their provocations.

 

“Rather than focus on generalized screening of innocent passengers, past experience with evolving threats and terrorist plots repeatedly highlight the critical importance of effective intelligence gathering and analysis.”

 

In conclusion, Herdman said the AAPA urges governments, in conjunction with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), to work together more closely with industry, and strengthen multilateral cooperation in further developing aviation security measures.