Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has published the second edition of its Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP). Released on Wednesday, the plan has been prepared in response to ICAO Assembly Resolutions A41-18 and-19, with the United Nations agency committed to monitoring the progress of member states in implementing the latest measures through the Universal Security Audit Program.
The <a href="https://icao.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ca89133312bd10bdbf3c24f4a&amp;id=8b0f866968&amp;e=bd47de36e8">document</a> spells out the following six priorities for governments and the industry: risk awareness, security culture, human factors, technological innovation, oversight and quality assurance, and cooperation among stakeholders. It provides strategy and guidance to guard against changing security threats.
“The new ICAO Global Aviation Security Plan is both an acknowledgment of the urgent and evolving aviation security challenges we face and a product of ICAO’s unwavering commitment to confronting them head-on,” said ICAO secretary general Juan Carlos Salazar. “The plan is a central element in our support for robust action by governments on aviation security and cybersecurity. It also provides crucial support to our advocacy for heightened resourcing and focus on these priorities.”
<h2>Court Rules Operators Face Unlimited Liability</h2>
Earlier this month, a ruling by the Ontario superior court found Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) liable for damages to be paid to Canadian families who lost relatives when flight PS752 was shot down by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard soon after takeoff from Tehran in January 2020. According to legal and security experts, the decision is a landmark ruling with serious implications for all aircraft operators as to their responsibility for identifying the risks associated with all flights.
The Ontario court heard that UIA had conducted a risk assessment several days before this incident, but this was not updated despite a rapidly changing situation in Iran. The airliner was misidentified by Iranian air defense units, resulting in the loss of 176 lives.
“In this case, it just happened to be Ukrainian International Airlines but to be frank it could have been any operator that was affected by this situation, it was not an airline-specific issue,” said Andrew Nicholson, CEO of aviation security group Osprey Flight Solutions. “Operators carry this risk of unlimited liability, making the need for risk assessments, for regulated, forward-looking, pre-emptive risk management a clear requirement in need of advocacy.”
According to Osprey, operators should assess all flights for potential security threats. “Traditionally, airlines have relied heavily on guidance from regulators and governments regarding airspace safety and overflight risks,” Nicholson commented. “However, as this case clearly demonstrates, such information is often delayed, classified, or influenced by political considerations.”
From July 2 to 4, Osprey and EASA are jointly hosting the first <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2024-06-14/security-leaders-assemble-assess-overflight-risks">World Overflight Risk Conference</a> in the Polish capital Warsaw. The event is timed to mark the 10th anniversary of the shoot-down of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine by Russian-backed forces. Proceeds from the not-for-profit conference will be donated to victims groups associated with this attack, and also to relatives of those killed on flight PS752.

News and information about crew, passenger, aircraft and airport security issues.

ICAO Issues Updated Global Aviation Security Plan

Implementation of security guidance will be audited by the UN agency

Publication of ICAO's Global Aviation Security Plan comes weeks after a court ruled aircraft operators face risk of unlimited liability for loss of life.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Security consultants are warning clients to increase vigilance

Aircraft Operators Face Rising Threats in Gulf and Russia

Jeremy Kariuki

A recount of the days following the 9/11 terror attacks

Thinking on the fly: Unprecedented times, leadership during 9/11

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Russia widely believed to have gotten an explosives-carrying drone into the German airport

Leipzig Drone Threat Raises Security Risk in Europe

Charlotte Bailey

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

More In Security

Aircraft Operators Face Rising Threats in Gulf and Russia

Security consultants are warning clients to increase vigilance

Thinking on the fly: Unprecedented times, leadership during 9/11

A recount of the days following the 9/11 terror attacks

Leipzig Drone Threat Raises Security Risk in Europe

Russia widely believed to have gotten an explosives-carrying drone into the German airport

Canada Targets Increased Domestic Defense Production

Saab offers Gripen with future fighter choice still to be decided

Air Chiefs: Allied Integration Essential as Threats Intensify

Evolving threats demand deeper multinational cooperation

Boeing Offering Cyber Protection with SkyGuard Service

Digital twin technology eliminates the need for physical access to the aircraft

TSA Urges Operators To Prep Pax during FIFA Traffic Surge

GA has faced Real ID compliance challenges

Security Specialist Warns of Bizav Cyberattack Threats

Cyviation said small operators need more help to be protected

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN