AVSEC is the acronym for “Aviation Security” and refers to the protection of civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference. Within this definition, it is important to clarify the scope of the following concepts:
(a) Civil Aviation, which includes not only aircraft, but also all agents involved in civil air transport: passengers, crews, airports, etc.
(b) Acts of unlawful interference, which refer to any act or intent to jeopardize the safety of civil aviation and air transport. These may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Hijacking of aircraft (both in flight and on the ground).
- Hostage-taking at airports or aboard aircraft.
- Sabotage and attacks on airport facilities or air navigation infrastructure.
- Use of an aircraft in service to cause death or serious harm.
- Forceful intrusion aboard an aircraft, at an airport, or within an aviation facility.
- Introduction of dangerous devices or substances onto an aircraft or into an airport for criminal purposes.
- Communication of false information that compromises the safety of civil aviation.
The Primary Objective of AVSEC is: To ensure the protection and safety of passengers, crews, ground personnel, and the general public in all matters related to safeguarding against acts of unlawful interference.
In order to fulfill this primary objective, contracting states adhere to Doc. 8973 – The Aviation Security Manual of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which provides guidance on how to meet the standards and recommended practices outlined in Annex 17.
Trained and authorized AVSEC personnel in each state actively seek to identify common and uncommon offender groups, which include, but are not limited to:
- Terrorists: Individuals or terrorist groups
- Criminal groups and individuals
- People with psychological issues
- People seeking revenge (disgruntled former employees)
Among the AVSEC countermeasures to minimize aviation security threats are:
- Legislative: Laws, regulations (including legal measures through state-specific aviation security laws)
- Technical: Security programs and procedures, primarily designed for early threat identification
- Physical: Training personnel and technological equipment, including our trusted K9 teams
The main duties of AVSEC personnel include, but are not limited to:
- Access control to restricted and controlled security areas
- Screening of personnel, passengers, carry-on and checked baggage, crews, etc.
- Screening of cargo and mail
- Inspection of supplies on board the aircraft
- Aircraft protection
- Protection of airport and navigation facilities
- Response to acts of unlawful interference and emergencies
However, AVSEC is not a matter or responsibility of a single institution—it is everyone’s job. Aviation security concerns every person who works, travels aboard an aircraft, or is at an airport for any reason. For this reason, it is required that every airline operator, service provider, and sensitive airport personnel undergo aviation security awareness training.