JEDDAH: In the wake of recent terrorist attempts to use airliners to transport explosives, the Airports Council International has expressed its support for all practical measures to ensure safe transport of goods to markets. The organization, with 575 members representing 177 countries, held its annual meeting, a three-day gathering that concluded Wednesday in Bermuda, where Prince Turki Bin Faisal Bin Turki Al-Saud, Deputy President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, represented the Kingdom The Council's World Governing Board noted in a statement that airports play a critical role in the world economy and security. “Airports are part of the global supply chain, working in partnership with airlines to facilitate in excess of 80 million tons of air cargo annually, much of which is time critical or perishable,” the statement said. “Recognizing that terrorists will continue to explore and probe the current system for air cargo security, it is critical that airports be included in the discussion with governments, airlines and others to address the immediate threat and to develop strong and sustainable security regimes.” Officials also discussed finding appropriate solutions to address the obstacles to the development of the aviation industry and airports and approved the transfer of organization's headquarters from Geneva, Switzerland, to Montreal, Canada. The council, founded in 1993 in Geneva, is one of the most important international organizations specialized in the field of civil airports. Most international airports and world's aviation authorities are members of the council. Saudi Arabia is an active member and Prince Turki has an important position in the organization. He has been elected second vice-president and member of the Board of the Regional Office for East Asia and Pacific Council.
