With much of the world – and its airlines – pre-occupied with both business and health and safety issues related to the pandemic, IATA took time out last week to sign an agreement with the United Nations to help detect and counter terrorism.

The International Air Transport Association is the first non-governmental partner to join the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) global initiative, which is designed to assist countries in building their capabilities to detect and thwart terrorists and serious criminals.

The Countering Terrorist (CT) Travel Program utilizes advance passenger information (API), passenger name record (PNR), and other passenger data, in accordance with various Security Council resolutions and relevant privacy laws.

“This memorandum of understanding is a milestone not only for the Countering-Terrorist Travel Program, but for UNOCT as a whole, as this is the first agreement we have concluded with representatives of the private sector. It symbolizes the importance of partnering with the airline industry in establishing passenger data systems and provides a framework for cooperation,” said UNOCT Under-Secretary-General Mr. Vladimir Voronkov.

“Security is a common goal for airlines and governments,” added IATA Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac. “The fundamental responsibility for security is with governments. Airlines help by providing API and PNR travelLer data to governments. This contributes to government information gathering in line with global standards on passenger data transmission and in respect of privacy laws. Our collaboration with UNOCT will improve efficiency and increase compliance for this vital information flow. The aim is to curb terrorist mobility. That will make the world a safer place and keep flying secure for all,” said de Juniac.