Napolitano Assures Air Cargo Execs on Security

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano assured major air express carriers she is committed to working together with them on "enhanced screening and preventative measures" after last week's incident in which authorities intercepted concealed explosives shipped from Yemen.

Napolitano spoke by phone with executives of UPS, FedEx, TNT and DHL — the four global carriers that haul the vast majority of the world's express parcels. She also spoke with Giovanni Bisignani, director general of the International Air Transport Association about the department's efforts with other governments and the private sector to develop a layered security strategy for the global supply chain.

All-cargo flights such as those the express carriers operate are not subject to screening under the same tough restrictions in place in the United States, and many industry officials believe a requirement to inspect all shipments would cripple the industry.

Transportation Security Administrator John S. Pistole this week attended an IATA security conference in Frankfurt, Germany, before flying to Yemen to meet with government officials. He also got briefings from the agency's personnel deployed to Yemen.

While in Germany, Pistole signed an agreement to work toward better harmonization measures to protect air travelers.
(Source:www.joc.com)