Nowhere in the world has tighter aviation security precautions than Israel. In the light of the call by many nations for enhanced security at airports and on aircraft the country's methods are coming in for close scrutiny.
National airline El Al operates a comprehensive security system, on the ground and in the air. However, it comes with a price.
Estimates put the cost at more than $80 million annually, very large for a carrier of its size. The government covers 70% of the cost.
Details of the El Al security system are classified. However, it is widely known that armed security guards fly on every flight and guards also surround the aircraft when on the ground in foreign airports.
A profile screening system used in Ben-Gurion airport in Tel-Aviv and other destinations is used to cross-examine every passenger. If the first security officer is not satisfied with the answers, another, more senior, is called in. If they are still not satisfied, a search is conducted of the passenger's luggage.
Israelis are used to the security checks, but tourists sometimes complain about the personal nature of the questions. As a result, after a long evaluation, the Israel Airport Authority (IAA), recently persuaded the security service to begin a pilot scheme using technology rather than manpower. In the scheme the passengers enter a closed area in the check-in hall, and put their luggage on the conveyor belts of an advanced X-ray machine while they go directly to the passport control. The system is based on off-the-shelf machines, but the software was adapted to the requirements of the Israelis.
Commercial cargo carried on El Al flights is put through special decompression chambers, to activate any altitude-sensitive detonation mechanisms.
El Al and the other Israeli airlines do not just rely on ground screening. Aircraft are modified after delivery by installing "special security features". These are classified, although the one visible measure is two reinforced cockpit doors configured so that access cannot be gained if a hijacker attempts to rush the cockpit when one of the doors is opened.
Speaking to Air Transport Intelligence reporter Aaron Karp at the Airports Council International meeting in Montreal earlier this month, IAA director Yomtob Sabah made it clear that the quality and training of security staff were paramount. Security officials are aged between 21 and 25 and should have a high IQ, he said. Training and regular rotation of duties are also essential.
Source: Flight International
