Etihad to beat US ban with free iPads
abu dhabi — Beginning April 2, US-bound first and business class passengers on Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi will be offered free WiFi and iPads. The move — which comes after a US ban on carry-on electronics larger than mobile phones — will see all Premium Class guests receive WiFi vouchers from Etihad cabin crew along with their onboard welcome drinks.
The vouchers will provide free WiFi for the duration of the flight. Additionally, Etihad will provide iPads on board to those who need them, which can be powered throughout the flight using power and USB sockets available at every seat.
dubai — The International Air Transport Association (Iata) is calling on governments to “urgently” find alternatives to the recently announced American and British restrictions on carry-on electronic items, on flights departing from a number of Middle Eastern and North African airports, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
“The current measure are not an acceptable long-term solution to whatever threat they are trying to mitigate,” Iata Director-General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said in a speech at the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations. “Even in the short term, it is difficult to understand their effectiveness. 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.”
In her remarks, De Juniac highlighted the need to maintain public confidence in the security of the global aviation industry, which operates an average of 100,000 flights every day. “With the measures now in place, our passengers and member airlines are asking valid questions. Why don’t the US and the UK have a common list of airports? How can laptops be secure in the cabin on some flights and not others, including flights departing from the same airport? Surely, there must be a way to screen electronic equipment effectively? The current situation is not acceptable and will not maintain the all-important confidence of the industry or of travellers. We must find a better way. And Governments must act quickly,” said de Juniac. Additionally, Iata expressed frustration at the process used by governments to put in place security measures, which the organisation described as “woefully lacking”.
‘Airlines don’t want access to state secrets’
“The industry came together quickly to implement the new requirements.
How can laptops be secure in the cabin on some flights and not others, including flights departing from the same airport? Surely, there must be a way to screen electronic equipment effectively.” Alexandre de Juniac, IATA Director-General and CEO
That was a challenge because there was no prior consultation and little coordination by governments,” said de Juniac.
Iata has long called for better information sharing and coordination on security measures among governments and with the industry.
“While governments have the primary responsibility for security, we share the priority of keeping passengers, crew and aircraft secure. To do that effectively intelligence is king. And it needs to be shared amongst governments and with the industry. It’s the only way to stop terrorists before they get near an airport, let alone aircraft,” de Juniac noted.
“Airlines don’t want access to state secrets. But if airlines understand the outcome governments want, they can help with the operational experience to deliver that result effectively and efficiently.”
Challenges to aviation security were highlighted in Resolution 2309 of the UN Security Council which tasked the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to develop a Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP).
“The need for such a plan has been made very clear by wide gaps in the measures taken by governments in recent days. States need to lend their full support to ICAO in developing GASeP quickly. Even before that can be achieved, there is an early opportunity to make a real improvement to international cooperation on security.
“In May, ICAO member states will consider amendments to Annex 17 of the Chicago convention that would require information sharing. The security experience of recent years should compel States to support this,” said de Juniac.