Over the past few decades, there has been a significant shift in the use of security seals by airlines. Previously, their usage was limited to monitor theft or tampering with goods in catering carts and other items sold on airplanes. Now, threats against commercial aviation have made security seals critical for the safe operation of airlines and are a regulated necessity for Airlines as part of their operational structure.
One of the areas that have seen increasing usage of security seals application is on-board and in-flight services. All food and products sold on board must be strictly controlled in view of possible inspections by the health, tax and, of course, customs authorities. In this respect, airline catering seals take on a special importance: they guarantee both the identification and the non-manipulation of this type of lockers on the plane.
Key Areas for Airline Security Seals
1. The high volume of cargo
There is a high volume of cargo moving through an airport at any given time. Without proper monitoring or detection devices, there is no way to know that the equipment, fuel, luggage, and other materials on board have not been tampered with. Security seals and related devices are a key tool in tamper detection. In the aviation industry, nothing can be left to chance.
2. The number of different items that require security measures
Various operations within the aviation industry require security, more so than ever before. For example, cargo and luggage containers are sealed with plastic padlock seals to protect shipments, while carts accessed by onboard crew require similar seals that also can be opened without tools.
Stronger seals are necessary to protect valves, storage areas, and other less frequently accessed areas. Tamper evident tape and adhesive labels help seal stretch-wrapped cargo or cargo on pallets. Application goes as far as aircraft doors and hatches to deter and detect attempts of unauthorized entrance.
3. The number of people involved in the industry
When people have intention to commit a crime, they often know enough to cover their tracks. A low-tech or simple method of security can often be outsmarted or avoided. Security and tamper evident seals help airlines to ensure that doesn’t happen.
There are many different types of seals, each with their own procedures for handling, inspection, and disposal. There are key markings, colour codes, and other identifiers that make it so that people who are authorized to handle the items can do so, and there is clear evidence of attempts at unauthorized access. They are apparent and can be quickly detected by trained personnel.
4. The regulatory requirements
The aviation industry is one of the most tightly-regulated industries in the world. There are complex standards for maintenance, performance, safety, food, equipment, luggage, and so much more, that there is absolutely no room for error. The smallest deviation from safety standards can be disastrous for the airline company and highly dangerous for staff and passengers.
