Airports Council International (ACI) has announced the launch of the Airport Excellence (APEX) in Security program.
With the continuous and evolving security threat challenging the aviation industry, and a strong demand for compliance with standards coming from the UN Security Council, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and governments, it has become essential that airports have the most effective, appropriate and cost-effective security measures in place. APEX in Security plays a key role in helping airports understand where they can improve in regard to security standards, best practices and operational efficiency.
Since the launch of the APEX in Safety program in 2012, ACI has brought the airport community together to provide assistance and advice to airports, drawing strong interest from the membership and international organizations including ICAO, the European Aviation Safety Agency, the Federal Aviation Administration, the European Commission and the World Bank.
APEX in Security will be run in a similar way to the APEX in Safety program, using international standards and recommended practices supplemented by implementation guidelines and expert views of seasoned practitioners from airports around the world.
Angela Gittens, director general for ACI World, said, “A sustainable aviation industry is built upon a foundation of safety and security. I am pleased to officially launch APEX in Security, one year after having signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ICAO, which sees both organizations working more closely towards the objectives of the program.
“I hope that many airports will benefit from the knowledge, expertise and leadership of the community of airports. Every airport can benefit and every airport can contribute.”
Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, president of the Council of the International Civil Organization (ICAO), commented, “ICAO appreciates that great progress can be achieved on the basis of the excellent cooperation established between our Organization, ACI and other industry stakeholders.
“This is very important today as we seek to confront and manage the challenges of sectoral growth together, and to the benefit of operators, facilities, and sustainable societies all over the world.
“Our member states remain very grateful for these proactive industry contributions and we will be looking forward to more of the same in the years ahead.”
