Long-term solution needed for e-devices ban on flights to US

The need to find an acceptable long-term solution to commercial distortions caused by the recent ban on certain carry-on electronic devices on some Middle Eastern flights to the United States in particular, is in the interest of the global aviation industry that contributes significantly to economies worldwide.This has been emphasised by the global body of airlines – International Air Transport Association or IATA, which has called upon governments to urgently find alternatives to recently announced measures by the United States and the United Kingdom to restrict the carry-on of large electronic items on certain flights departing the Middle East and North Africa. Obviously, there is a clear need to maintain public confidence in the security of the global aviation industry, which safely and securely operates an average 100,000 flights a day.IATA expects nearly 4bn travellers and 55.7mn tonnes of cargo to be lifted by airlines worldwide this year. And almost 1% of global GDP is spent on air transport – some $769bn. Air transport has clearly made the world more accessible than ever and it is a critical enabler of the global economy.The value of trade carried by air transport in 2017 is expected to be $5.7tn, a 4.9% increase on 2015. Air cargo accounts for around 35% of the total value of goods traded globally.At a recent industry meeting IATA’s Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said: “The current measures are not an acceptable long-term solution to whatever threat they are trying to mitigate. Even in the short term it is difficult to understand their effectiveness. And the commercial distortions they create are severe. We call on governments to work with the industry to find a way to keep flying secure without separating passengers from their personal electronics.”The global body of airlines rightfully expressed frustration at the process used by certain governments to put in place the security measures, which was woefully lacking.“The industry came together quickly to implement the new requirements. That was a challenge because there was no prior consultation and little co-ordination by governments,” said de Juniac.IATA has long called for better information sharing and co-ordination on security measures among governments and with the industry. While governments have the primary responsibility for security, the airline industry too has passenger safety as its top priority. To do that effectively, intelligence that can be shared needs to be provided amongst governments and with the industry. Certainly, effective co-operation between industry and governments yields a better result. The ban on laptops, iPads and other electronics (larger than a cellphone) on flights from as many as 10 airports in the Middle East has already sparked criticism from technology experts, who say the new rules appear to be at odds with basic computer science.Air transport is the business of freedom. The safe and efficient global movement of goods and people is a positive force in our world. The aviation industry improves peoples’ lives by creating economic opportunity and supporting global understanding.Air transport has made the world more accessible than ever