Air transport security is an essential component for the functioning of global aviation and requires the continuous collaboration of many actors in the industry.
The air transport security is a crucial issue that encompasses all measures and procedures aimed at guaranteeing the protection of passengers, crew, aircraft and airport facilities against a wide range of threats and risks. These threats include malicious acts, operational risks, mechanical failure or human error.
Aviation security is fundamental to to protect the lives and well-being of the millions of people who use air transport every day. Any breach of security can lead to incidents of varying magnitude, which are not desirable in any case.
On the other hand, the perception of security is crucial for the people's confidence in air transport. A robust security system promotes passenger confidence and contributes to the growth of the aviation industry.
Finally, aviation security has a direct impact on the economySecurity incidents can lead to significant financial losses due to operational disruptions, compensation and recovery costs.
For all these reasons, safety is a key issue underpinning the entire aviation industry, from aircraft design to operations.
On a daily basis, we encounter numerous developments in the aerospace industry through research, development and innovation efforts. In addition, the certifications of all components and processes provide an additional level of safety and quality. However, in the world of aviation there is also an experimental evolution based on trial and error.
This is mainly due to the fact that, because of the magnitude and impact of air incidents, an extensive and thorough investigation is always launched after any incident, after which new measures are often imposed to prevent such incidents from happening again.
In this regard, a curious case is the evolution of the cockpit locking systemThe Commission's proposal is a response to various incidences that have occurred in the past.
In the early days of commercial aviation, cockpit security was a secondary concern. Cockpits were often open or with basic locks, reflecting a time when the threat of outside interference was minimal. As aviation grew in popularity and became a global mode of transport, the need for enhanced security became more apparent.
A turning point: 9/11
The terrorist attack of 11 September 2001 marked a turning point in aviation security. Until then, aircraft hijackings had not triggered such drastic changes in security policies. The magnitude of the attacks forced the industry and regulators to reconsider all facets of aviation security.
One of the most significant changes was the introduction of reinforced cabin doors. These doors, designed to resist forced entry attempts and gunfire, became a mandatory standard for commercial airlines worldwide. Since then, the new doors feature multi-point locking systems, are made of high-strength composite materials, and are equipped with locking mechanisms that are electronically controlled from inside the cabin itself.
The rule is rewritten: Germanwings flight 9525
Years later, in 2015, the tragic crash of Germanwings flight 9525 brought to the forefront the existence of a critical vulnerability in the locking system cockpit. In this case, the co-pilot, taking advantage of the fact that the commander had left the cockpit, locked himself inside and deliberately crashed the plane into the French Alps. This event underlined the need to balance security against external intruders with the crew's ability to intervene in the event of an internal emergency.
Following this incident, several airlines reviewed their procedures, adopting policies such as always keeping two crew members on the flight deck. In addition, other advanced systems have been considered that allow access to the cockpit under emergency situations, monitored and authorised by ground controls.
A commitment to security
The evolution of the cabin locking system reflects a continued commitment to aviation security. Cada incidente y cada innovación nos recuerdan la importancia de adaptarse y mejorar constantemente. Desde los cambios radicales post 9/11 hasta las más recientes tecnologías en desarrollo, la industria aeronáutica sigue adelante, aprendiendo y adaptándose para proteger a quienes confían en el transporte aéreo.
Safety in air transport is an essential component for the operation of global aviation. It requires the continued collaboration of governments, airlines, airports and international organisations to adapt and respond effectively to emerging threats, thus ensuring a safe and secure environment for all air transport users.
