Cathay Cargo Terminal has become the first ground handler in Asia to achieve IATA’s Security Management System (SeMS) certification.
The SeMS programme provides a framework to manage regulatory compliance, security risks, threats, and vulnerabilities. Companies that achieve the certification work to continuously improve security measures, emphasising risk-based and data-driven strategies to overcome new, existing and evolving threats.
The handler said that it had achieved “operating status”, which is the highest possible tier for a first-time SeMS certification.
Cathay Cargo Terminal chief operating officer Mark Watts said: “Security is foundational for any airport cargo terminal, and we are proud to be recognised by IATA for our strong commitment to all areas of security.
"Our recent use of AI to augment intruder detection and unattended cargo detection, as well as our significant investments in cybersecurity underscore our proactive approach to keeping our customers’ equipment, cargo, and data safe.”
IATA senior vice president, operations, safety and security Nick Careen added: “By embedding SeMS principles into its operations, Cathay Cargo Terminal reinforces and strengthens its overall security framework and also contributes to the broader goal of modernising aviation security through proactive continuous improvement and industry-wide collaboration."
Cathay Cargo Terminal will be presented with the formal SeMS certificate at a special ceremony during the IATA World Cargo Symposium in Dubai on 15 April.
The organisation was also one of the first cargo-handling companies in Asia to achieve the IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) certification and recently renewed its IATA Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) certification for Dangerous Goods.
Cathay Cargo Terminal also holds all four IATA Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) certifications — Fresh, Pharma, Live Animals and Lithium Batteries.
