Aviation safety and security expert MedAire is pushing for a holistic risk assessment that covers all airspace, not just conflict zones. MedAire (Booth V063) released a position paper on the importance of airspace-threat information-sharing in response to the European High Level Task Force on Conflict Zones. That report recommended the development of a common European risk assessment of conflict zones and a quick-alert mechanism to notify the aviation community.
“Air navigation route security is a key and growing area of concern for civil aviation entities around the globe,” said Andrew Nicholson, global director of security at MedAire. “There is a real need for an international methodology to assess airspace risk so operators can understand their global risk exposure.”
In its position paper, MedAire expressed its belief that that, to be of value to the aviation industry, the holistic approach to risk assessment must be proactive, expedient, apolitical, specific, inclusive, comprehensive and consistent. “Operators need fast accurate, reliable information and responsive expert counsel,” Nicholson said.
MedAire provides a range of threat assessment and other security services, advising clients on the security situation, potential threats and risk-mitigating measures, so they can make informed decisions about business operations, he said.
In addition to detailing its airspace risk assessment position paper during EBACE, MedAire also is discussing travel risks related to the Zika virus. The company is hosting an educational session on Zika at 10 a.m. May 25 at EBACE. The session will discuss the spread of the virus and the impact on security protocols, regulations and disinsection (the use of insecticides to control the spread of the virus in aircraft). The session will be led by Michael Braida, MedAir’s medical director for Central Europe.
The company earlier this year expanded its product portfolio and reach into Central Europe, folding Medifan, a training company for medical professionals, into its operations. Founded in 1987 in Freiburg, Germany, Medifan trains more than 25,000 flight crew members annually with tailored medical programs. Founder Edgar Buehrle remained managing director of Medifan and took on the additional title of director of aviation training for MedAire Europe.