American Airlines Cargo Division (AA Cargo) announced it has successfully met the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) mandate to screen 50% of cargo on all passenger planes, as directed by Change 5 to the Aircraft Operator Standard Security Program (AOSSP).
'AA Cargo values the effective working partnership we've been able to establish with the TSA and its Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP),' said Dave Brooks, President AA Cargo. 'We are pleased to report that since the new mandate went into effect two weeks ago, our customers have observed no service disruptions and the number of pre-screened shipments tendered at our facilities has increased tenfold.' This tells us CCSP is not only working, it is working well.'
AA Cargo has taken aggressive measures to ensure meeting the February compliance deadline, including investments of more than $3 million in equipment and training. These measures have proven invaluable for AA Cargo, as well as for several other airlines and forwarders that have utilized training facilitated by AA Cargo. The company continues to evaluate new technologies and programs to prepare for the 100% screening mandate that occurs in August 2010.
'While we have successfully managed through the February deadline, we must remain focused on the challenges of 100% screening, which begins less than 18 months from now,' said Brooks.
'It is clear the CCSP program will have a big impact on the industry's success, and we strongly encourage our customers and partners to embrace the program. We heartily thank those customers who joined the CCSP program and have worked so closely with us on both a headquarters and local level to ensure 100% compliance and success,' Brooks said. 'We will continue to seek unique ways to encourage our customers' participation in the program.'
According to the TSA, more than 30 new companies are achieving CCSP certification each week. To become a Certified Cargo Screening Facility, companies must successfully apply, participate and adhere to strict security standards, including physical access controls, personnel security, and screening of prospective employees and contractors to TSA standards.
