DUBAI 25 September 2019: More than 650 delegates, from over 50 countries, and 30 speakers headlined another edition of the aviation security conference – AVSEC Global 2019.
The symposium was officially opened earlier this week by Emirates Airline & Group chairman and chief executive HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
In his keynote address, Emirates Airline president Sir Tim Clark said: “The aviation industry is a complex, intricate, and inter-dependent ecosystem. It involves policymakers, regulators, security and border control, airline and airport operators, and not to mention, a network of supply chain partners. Cybersecurity is a growing area of concern – no surprise there with the increasing digitisation of our industry and of our world.
“One weak link can put the whole system at risk. That is why security in aviation has always required a holistic approach. We design integrated management systems, we develop and use the latest technologies, and importantly, we look at the human factor when implementing security solutions. Trust is a fragile thing. We have to continue to earn it. I hope that through industry engagement and events like AVSEC Global 2019, we can inspire, discuss and take meaningful steps to secure aviation today and in the future.”
The UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport), Baroness Vere of Norbiton, who presented the opening address said: “I’m delighted to be here in Dubai to open AVSEC Global 2019. The UK is proud of its reputation as a leader in aviation security, but it is our collective effort and common capabilities that are key to tightening and sustaining security standards around the world. We look forward to working with our partners to protect and support our great aviation industry.”
Among other key sessions, 23 September, Immigration New Zealand shared, for the first time at a conference, how the March 2019 shootings in Christchurch and its aftermath was managed, and how they balanced national security priorities with the humanitarian aspects of those affected.
Organised by Emirates Group Security, the airline’s multi-faceted security strategy company, AVSEC Global 2019 was held at JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai.
The symposium is one of the most significant aviation security events in the region and one of the biggest globally. This year the elite panel of speakers include neuroscientists, behavioural strategists, influencers, leaders, founders and directors in the security industry.
AVSEC Global 2019 hosted 30 presentations on topics ranging from chemical and cyber warfare, drones and detection, to terrorism and trafficking, stowaways and smuggling, eight workshops, and an exercise that spotlights hijacking.
During the gala dinner, 24 September, the winners of the Awards of Excellence in Aviation Security were honoured.
More details about the event are available here: www.emiratesgroupsecurity.com/avsec.
