In order to augment security functions at the nation’s
airport, The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA),
Capt. Muhtar Usman has directed the management of Arik Air to review their
existing security arrangement around their aircraft when not in operation.
According to a statement by NCAA, “In the specific, the
airline operator has been ordered to ensure the presence of static security
guards at all times at its aircraft parking positions.
According to Captain Usman, this directive is consequent
upon the stowaway incident involving an Arik aircraft A340 CS-TX on a scheduled
service to JFK Airport, New York.
Therefore, in order to forestall any future occurrence
and subsequent security breach, the airline needs to take urgent remedial
actions.”
The statement further expressed that the Regulatory
Authority clearly recognises the clause in the airline’s Approved Air Operator
Security Programme that the responsibility of securing aircraft when not in
service lies with the airport operator. However, as evident with recent
developments, increased capacity is required to safeguard aircraft.
The DG therefore reiterates that static security guards
be continually deployed to the foot of the aircraft when not in operation.
Capt. Usman added that this measure will subsist for this
period pending when all investigations on the incident are concluded. Thereafter
adequate measures will be established and implemented by all concerned
stakeholders.
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