In what must be the most considered response to the ongoing security crisis at some of Britain”s airports, notably Heathrow, Mike Carrivick, chief executive of BAR UK (Board of Airline Representatives) has
emphasised that a similar situation cannot, and must not, be entertained again.
”Airport security measures will be challenged in the future, and the airports must be capable of facing them”. Whilst many will say that this is obvious Carrivick, 30 years in the airline industry, is a diplomat and recognises that any problems cannot be resolved overnight and that it will take all parties to ensure that future security is of top quality, financially prudent and as unobtrusive as possible. It is no good putting the blame on all and sundry. The trouble is being caused by uncivilised misfits only too pleased to get others to carry out their foul work, and not workers at Heathrow under extreme pressures.
Carrick”s comments must be compared with the outburst of a foreign airline boss, not a member of BAR UK, nor IATA, who believes that the British government ought to be sued. Has he one eye on his stock market performance? Should bombers get on to his aircraft he will blame British government for that too. BA”s CEO has also been criticised in some quarters for an equally strong words in the Michael O”Leary style. With its marketing and pr senior men on gardening leave
Willie Walsh lacked serious experienced advice. However a public shouting match can bring problems to the surface. ”All publicity is good publicity,” says O”Leary. Blaming the airports for the problem is difficult to justify but one presumes that the reaction to the highest state of alert was on paper. Or did nobody foresee it. To its great credit easyJet scored on the media front by actually trying to do something to alleviate the problem. It is actively attempting to speed up the luggage situation by encouraging passengers to travel with a single piece of baggage. Any additional bags will be charged at ”5 (if paid on-line, and ”10 if paid at the airport at the time of departure). The total weight limit will remain at 20kg, regardless of
the number of bags checked-in. The new rules start from 1 September.
Mike Carrivick says that airlines and airports must move in a constructive way forward and complimented in particular Manchester, who he said engaged with the airlines in an extremely positive and productive manner. Transec (the DfT”s Transport Security and Contingencies Directorate) came in for praise too keeping BAR UK member airlines informed of events on a regular basis.
In the light of the last seven days, airlines, and their passengers, are particularly concerned that the airports just could not cope. Whilst BAA did erect a covered area outside T4, proper weather protection on arrival needs to be included in any new terminal design and made a requirement for existing buildings. Baggage systems need a complete rethink in terms of capacity and their ability to handle
from the smallest to the biggest of items. And a quick fix is required to ensure that there is a pool of additional trained staff available at short notice to handle search and security duties.
http://www.bar-uk.org