Qantas Baggage Security     13 Apr 05
 
Qantas said today it would install CCTV surveillance equipment in baggage handling areas at terminals throughout Australia that are either owned or solely leased by Qantas.

The Chief Executive Officer of Qantas, Mr Geoff Dixon, said the airline would also place surveillance equipment in the holds of some of its aircraft and at other airport locations.

Qantas would also increase loss prevention measures, including increased inspections of staff entering and leaving the workplace.

Mr Dixon said Qantas already had over 900 CCTV surveillance units in operation throughout Australia, the great majority at airport locations.

“Significant additional equipment will ensure, as closely as possible, 100 per cent coverage of key baggage areas in terminals owned or solely leased by Qantas.

“We have also instigated discussions on Qantas’ upgraded baggage security requirements with the owners and operators of other terminals in Australia and overseas where Qantas operates,” he said.

Mr Dixon said Qantas’ decision to upgrade its already extensive security measures was a result of heightened public concern around security of baggage.

“We believe Qantas has been at the forefront of aviation security, having invested $700 million in security measures over the past three years. Our security operational procedures are very good and are recognised as such.

“That said, aviation security is very dynamic and we are continually upgrading and modifying procedures to meet changing circumstances.

“Our own statistics show that, despite recent publicity, incidents of baggage tampering within Qantas are extremely rare.”

Mr Dixon said very few airlines placed surveillance equipment in the holds of their aircraft.

“This action by Qantas will require the support and authorisation of some Government authorities within Australia.”

Mr Dixon said Qantas worked very closely with Government agencies and police forces in Australia and overseas over a wide range of security issues.

He was confident Qantas’ decision on the new security measures would have the support of all of its staff.

Qantas services 151 terminals at 136 airports (either with its own aircraft or codeshare) around the world, of which nine are owned or solely leased by Qantas.