Commenting on the Queen's Speech today which included an announcement of a Transport Security Bill which will require all airports to draw up an airport security plan, Jim McAuslan, General Secretary of the British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA) said:

'We welcome this move but it is essential that pilots and other airport workers are at the heart of drawing up the airport security plans. If it is left to administrators the plans could be ineffective or unworkable. Those at the sharp end know what needs to be done, and must be consulted from day one.

'To coincide with the announcement today we in BALPA have appointed a network of Security Liaison Representatives - working pilots - at airports across the country. They have firm ideas of what needs to be done to strengthen airport security. With their contribution an airport can be safer and passenger lives more secure.



'They can also point out some of the unnecessary and inconsistently applied rules and regulations which give some passengers, and indeed pilots themselves, such a bad experience of airport security in the UK.

'Pilots are fed up with being seen by some airport managements as part of the security problem. And they resent the notion that they are to be guinea pigs for the ill-conceived national ID card.In other nations the pilot is seen as a responsible employee central to security and safety carrying huge responsibilities and treated with respect.

'We want to ensure that at all UK airports pilots are seen as a key part of the solution and not part of the problem.' 

For further information contact Keith Bill on 020 8656 0860 or 07968 528 527