Security and technology

The AAA advocates an intelligencedriven, risk-based and outcomesfocused approach to security regulation. The industry remains willing and able to collaborate on any enhancements to security measures the government may require as it responds to the evolving threat environment.

We’ll continue to engage on safety and security issues, and offer up our members’ wide-ranging knowledge and expertise to support the development of the best possible solutions.

Airports and the broader aviation industry are all focused first and foremost on safety and security. So I expect 2018 to be a year of real collaboration to build on that focus.

Technology, too, will be a key theme for the industry in 2018.

As we see airports increasingly use data and analytics to better inform resourcing, and to share information with customers to help them plan their time at the airport, technology will continue to have a big impact on our industry in ways both seen and unseen.

With biometrics trials already underway at a number of airports, facial recognition is promising to create a more seamless customer experience and support improved security outcomes. This is a great example of ways airports are using technology to not just improve efficiency, but make the passenger’s journey through the terminal much easier.

Airports will also continue to work closely with airlines to facilitate advances in aircraft technology. Perth Airport’s work alongside Qantas will come to fruition with the commencement of ultra long-haul direct flights to London this year. And with a number of airport master plans to be released for public consultation during the year, expect to see more visionary plans for the future at Australia’s major airports.

‘2017 highlighted the importance of security.’

Ultimately, these improvements are more and more about delivering an enhanced customer experience. Whether it’s the T3 upgrade about to get underway at Melbourne, new check-in facilities at Sydney, dedicated changing places at Brisbane or new facilities to support the Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast Airport, our members are focused on ensuring passengers’ airport experience is easy, seamless and enjoyable

Professional indemnity for ATOs

More bad policy on the run

Years ago CASA recognised that it simply did not have sufficient suitably qualified and experienced pilot examiners to discharge its oversight and testing obligations. Given this, CASA approved certain experienced flight instructors to conduct these tests/checks on its behalf as Approved Testing Officers or ATOs.

But now the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development is leading consultation on changes to the proposed professional indemnity insurance arrangements for persons who are not employees of CASA, but who are delegates or authorised persons. The mere fact that the Department is consulting on this policy indicates a chronic lack of understanding of its impact.

In the past, CASA recognised that as these industry members were performing a role on CASA’s behalf, CASA would provide the necessary insurance cover – all quite reasonable until CASA decided to withdraw that cover. ATOs are now being forced to seek commercial cover, but that cover simply does not exist, contrary to CASA’s assertion that it does.

CASA asserts that commercial insurance for ATOs is available, but clearly it has never done any comparison as to what is in the market. Many suspect CASA has not done such a comparison as it is all too well aware of the answer. Not only are the policies available totally inadequate in their scope – they are variations on hangarkeepers liability insurance – they are very expensive and one is required to maintain that level of insurance for seven years after ceasing testing activity.

This testing is necessary and important as it ensures that new entrant pilots meet the strict standards required to be granted a pilot’s licence and also to ensure that existing pilots are maintaining their skills and knowledge to an acceptable safety Standard.

Many senior and experienced industry members have already indicated they are no longer willing or able to continue providing this vital role. It doesn’t take too much imagination to realise the negative impact this ill-informed and misguided policy will have on the industry.

This is another example of an illconceived government policy decision on the run, similar to the 457 visa issue banning pilots and avionics engineers from entering the country. Fortunately the government has since reversed that decision at least. And hopefully the government will realise the equally significant negative impact the professional indemnity decision will have on the aviation industry and do likewise.

‘An illconceived government policy decision on the run.’