It is undeniable that air transportation carriers and shippers face certain risks, like those of other transportation modes. It is worth establishing that security concerns seem to be most prevalent in this field. The Congressional Service Report on security of air cargo shipments, operations, and facilities (2018) can be used as a source regarding the most pressing security risks. In particular, the report discusses the potential danger of hijackings, stating that a suicide assault utilizing an airplane as a weapon of mass destruction might result from hijackings (Congressional Research Service, 2018). Moreover, the report (2018) covers explosives as a potential risk factor. Finally, the possibility of an “insider threat” to air cargo is explored (Congressional Research Service, 2018). In the past, organized criminal elements have infiltrated the supply chains for air cargo in the United States, engaging in routine theft and smuggling operations (Congressional Research Service, 2018). This “insider threat” is considered an ongoing issue for the air transportation industry. To conclude, the main challenges that air transportation carriers and shippers face seem to be rooted in security and include hijackings, explosives, as well as the “insider threat”.
Because the value of air transportation to the global economy cannot be overstated, it is critical to address security concerns. However, this is made more difficult by the sheer complexity of air freight operations, generally involving multiple actors, as well as the frequent utilization of multi-mode cargo operations. Specific measures could be undertaken for each particular security threat, such as regular personnel screenings in order to prevent any “insider threat”. Furthermore, as air transportation usually encompasses the legislation of multiple countries, global cooperation seems integral to mitigating those risks in the industry.
References
Elias, Bart (2018). Security of Air Cargo Shipments, Operations, and Facilities. Congressional Research Service. Web.