The International Air Cargo Association

TIACA Conference Warns of 'Significant Disruption' if U.S. Enforces December 31, 2011 Deadline For 100% Cargo Screening

The air cargo industry, manufacturers, exporters, importers and consumers will face the prospect of significant global supply chain disruption if the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) enforces a proposed deadline of December 31^st 2011 for 100% screening of all international inbound cargo on passenger aircraft. 

The subject dominated day two of The International Air Cargo Association’s (TIACA) Executive Summit in Bangkok with strong views expressed by both panelists and delegates. It incorporated an update from Doug Brittin, General Manager, Air Cargo of the TSA and stimulated a lengthy debate involving industry experts from Asia and the United States, moderated by Andrew Herdman, Director General of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines.  

Neel Shah, Senior Vice President & Chief Cargo Officer for Delta Air Lines and a TIACA Board Member, spoke as the newly-elected chairman of TIACA’s Security Sub-committee. He voiced his concern over the lack of progress in certifying foreign country air cargo security programs.  

He commented: “Unless TSA and, more broadly speaking, the entire U.S. government focuses the necessary resources on reviewing the process and timeline by which foreign security programs are validated and placed into the TSA’s National Cargo Security Program (NCSP), we will face some significant disruptions to the global supply chain. It’s critical that we get more foreign programs under review and certified into the NCSP in the next few months- especially if TSA is considering an accelerated deadline for 100% inbound screening. “ 

Doug Brittin had earlier told TIACA delegates that the TSA is still considering whether to establish December 31, 2011 as the new deadline, two years earlier than originally planned. However, he said that industry input had clarified for TSA that many challenges exist for meeting that timeframe.  

Speaking at the Executive Summit, Michael Steen, TIACA Chairman, said the Association’s leadership will heed the panel’s warnings and will make these priority issues in ongoing dialogue with the TSA. “We’ve received strong feedback from our members, not just in Asia but globally, that the potential December 31, 2011 deadline and the slow progress on foreign program certification are critical issues. We will raise these issues with key policymakers over the next few months. We will seek a longer deadline, and an improved approach on foreign program review. These will be our top priorities.”  

Delegates were welcomed by Thailand’s Deputy Minister, Ministry of Commerce, H. E. Alongkron Ponlaboot, and Barry Nassberg, Executive Vice President and COO, of event hosts, Worldwide Flight Services (WFS). The two-day conference also included presentations on customs innovation, looking at progress and challenges in Asia and an economic overview of the region. 

At a special gala dinner, TIACA also honored Camille Allaz, former Executive Vice President Cargo for Air France and one of the industry’s leading historians, by officially inducting him into the Association’s Hall of Fame. Mr. Allaz was chosen for the prestigious award for his innovative leadership in the air cargo industry and his contribution in creating one of the best historical guides to the growth and importance of our industry.