Montréal, 28 April 2025 – ACI World actively participated in the 36th session of the ICAO Aviation Security Panel (AVSECP/36), held at ICAO Headquarters in Montréal from 7 to 11 April 2025. The session brought together over 200 experts representing more than 60 ICAO Contracting States and over 12 international organizations, including ACI. The robust discussions centered around more than 40 Working Papers and 9 Information Papers, providing a crucial platform for advancing global aviation security standards.
What we presented?
ACI World made a strong impact at the recent session, presenting two crucial Working Papers that sparked important discussions. One of the key topics? The privatization of airport security.
Let’s break it down. Utilizing private security firms at airports optimizes airport resources and focuses on improved security effectiveness and efficiency. Oversight continues to play to the regulators strengths providing key monitoring against Avsec regulation.
On top of it, airport operators face challenges in the recruitment, selection, and management of qualified private security providers. And here is the good news: following constructive dialogue and widespread support, the AVSECP/36 Panel agreed on the need for regulators and relevant industry stakeholders to collaborate on developing comprehensive policy and guidance material. This material will address the procurement, selection, and training of private security providers and foster partnerships to facilitate professional development opportunities for private aviation screeners.
“Aviation security is a shared responsibility. It’s not just about governments or airlines; it’s about every individual playing their part.” – Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations
The second major topic raised by ACI is the measurement of impact of the new or revised ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs):
ACI raised the crucial point regarding the current lack of systematic analysis to evaluate the actual impact of SARPs adopted based on initial impact assessments. The Panel was urged to consider the development of a robust methodology to measure the success and overall impact of SARP amendments. This proposal garnered significant support, with the Panel welcoming data to inform such future amendments.
The continued growth in air traffic necessitates a strong and efficient airport ecosystem. Global passenger numbers in 2024 approached 9.5 billion, marking a 9% increase from 2023 and a 3.8% recovery from pre-pandemic levels (2019) (ACI World preliminary data). To effectively manage this growth, airports require a skilled workforce and proactive initiatives to minimize operational disruptions.
Security checkpoints are often critical points in the passenger journey. Ensuring the presence of qualified and motivated staff, without compromising security effectiveness, is paramount. ACI World actively promotes collaborative efforts between States and the airport community to establish efficient security checkpoints that are appropriately staffed to meet today’s global security challenges in a seamless manner.
ACI also provided key interventions on the Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) restrictions been in force since 2006. With the improvement and adoption of new technology, ACI World advocates for risk-based security, utilizing improved technology and processes to look at the LAGs rule and make it aligned to the threat and the modern operating airport environment.
Learn about past ACI World advocacy at AVSEC: Humans First – Addressing the Challenges Aviation Screeners Face at the 34th ICAO Aviation Security Panel | ACI World Insights
ACI World remains committed to actively contributing to the development of globally harmonized and effective aviation security measures, ultimately benefiting our member airports and the millions of passengers they serve each day.
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