Emirates Receives Validation for EU-Initiated Security Standards
Sunday, 04 May 2014
The ACC3 certificate is presented to Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum and Tim Clark. Also in photo are: (from left to right) Joss D Silva, manager, security facilities & risk management; Zack Zainal, divisional vice president, group security; Dr. Abdulla Al Hashimi, divisional senior vice president, group security; and Rabie Atie, vice president, Transguard
DUBAI - Emirates has completed the validation process for the European Union-initiated ACC3 security regulation, ACC3 is short for ‘Air Cargo or Mail Carrier operating into the Union from a Third Country Airport.’ The validation covers Emirates SkyCargo’s services into the European Union.

Through collaboration between Emirates Group Security and SkyCargo, Emirates completed the ACC3 security validation at the Dubai hub on 1st July 2014. Failure to complete the validation would have potentially prohibited Emirates from transporting cargo into the European Union –  disrupting SkyCargo’s operations.  Emirates’ air cargo business accounts for over 15 percent of the airline’s total transport revenue.

Dr Abdulla Al Hashimi, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President-Group Security said, “We placed the highest priority on the inspection and validation of our cargo operations in Dubai being the hub for our operations. Emirates is seeking similar validation at other stations from where Emirates regularly operates freighter flights direct to the European Union.

Working with law enforcement stakeholders and business units, Emirates Group Security has spearheaded the validation task. We take pride in the fact that we’re the first carrier in the region to complete this ACC3 requirement.”

“While the ACC3 validation is specifically for carriers with cargo bound for the EU, Emirates Group Security is constantly reviewing processes to ensure that all cargo being transported, including those on passenger aircraft, are effectively screened and free from prohibited items.

It is our priority to study and look at how we can further integrate such stringent security standards into a larger worldwide Supply Chain Security System.”

An independent inspector reviewed the air cargo processing and security measures in place at SkyCargo’s facility in Dubai. The Department for Transport of the United Kingdom granted Emirates’ ACC3 status on behalf of the EU. 

The EU introduced ACC3 regulation in 2012 requiring carriers to meet EU-standards on cargo screening measures; documentation; identification and processing of high-risk cargo; staff recruitment and training. Emirates is set to obtain ACC3 validation at additional airports from which Emirates operates direct flights into the EU before the July deadline according to the Dubai based airline

With the transport of air cargo being such an important commercial aspect of Emirates’ core business, Emirates Group Security places the highest importance to protecting and safeguarding the company’s cargo interests. 


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