Aviation and air cargo
Air-side access, that is, access to the airport's secure areas behind security checks, requires special clearance and background checks according to EU law (EASA regulation) .The aviation industry must carry out extended background checks, which include verification of identity, review of CVs and checks of criminal records. Many companies with access to Air-Side, including “Known Customers”, “Regulated Agents”, “Known Suppliers”, and “Known Charters”, are subject to the same EU requirements.
Failure of your company to comply with applicable requirements may result in exclusion from airports. It is the company's responsibility to carry out identity checks and CV checks before sending the application for a port card to the police. At least once a year, you must be able to document that your processes have been completed correctly by audit. The company fails to meet the requirements, the port card is withdrawn and you lose access to the airports.
The airline and air cargo industry faces significant challenges in security and background checks. Securing passengers and cargo against potential threats requires comprehensive and accurate background checks on employees, suppliers and partners. Defective or ineffective background check processes can lead to serious security risks, including insider threats and unauthorized access to critical areas and resources.
At the same time, the industry must comply with strict international and national security regulations that are constantly evolving to meet emerging threats. This requires significant resources and expertise to ensure that all procedures are up to date and in accordance with applicable law.
Regulated Agents
Regulated Agents are companies that handle, transport or store air cargo and mail on behalf of airlines and carriers. They play a vital role in ensuring cargo is safe before it reaches the airport or plane.
Regulation
Regulated Agents are subject to the Swedish Transport Agency's legislation, which requires them to meet strict safety requirements. This includes comprehensive checks on personnel, implementation of security procedures and regular audits to ensure that all cargo is treated in accordance with international safety standards.
Known customers/charters
The Known Customer/Charterer designation includes companies that regularly ship cargo by air and have obtained a special clearance allowing them to ship cargo without additional security screening.
Types of businesses include
- Companies that produce goods and ship these as air freight.
- Companies that distribute aircraft spare parts and ship these as air cargo.
- Museums that ship art objects as air freight
Regulation
Known customers/charters must go through an approval process with the Swedish Transport Agency, which includes security checks of facilities and procedures as well as background checks on personnel. Regular audits ensure that standards are maintained and that all safeguards are in place.
Security Approved Shipping Agents
Security approved cargo agents are responsible for implementing security measures for cargo to be transported by air. This includes screening cargo and ensuring that it is protected from unauthorized access during transportation.
Types of businesses include
- Companies that transport and have stocks of safety-controlled cargo.
- Companies with warehouses that have an approved customer directory, but do not write AWB (Air Waybill).
- Companies with warehouses that write AWB and, if necessary, transport cargo.
- Companies that write AWB alone.
- Companies authorized to carry out screening of cargo for flight.
- Companies that, at an airport, protect and load safety-controlled cargo onto aircraft.
Regulation
These freight agents must be certified by the Swedish Transport Agency and comply with comprehensive safety requirements, including regular inspections and checks on their safety procedures. This ensures that all security measures are in place to prevent security threats.
Well-known suppliers
Well-known suppliers are companies that provide goods and services that are used within airport areas or on board aircraft. This includes everything from food and drinks to technical equipment and inflight services.
Types of businesses include
- Companies that are suppliers of supplies for the flight and deliver these directly to the aircraft.
Regulation
Well-known suppliers must meet the Swedish Transport Agency's safety requirements, which include securing the supply chain, checking employees and ensuring that all goods are protected from tampering before delivery to the airport areas or planes. Regular audits and inspections ensure that all processes comply with the established safety standards.
Below you will find articles describing the threats that exist in aviation.
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