Cathay Cargo Terminal has become the first ground-handling organisation in Asia to achieve the International Air Transport Agency (IATA) Security Management System (SeMS) certification, attaining Operating Status — the highest possible tier for a first-time SeMS certification.

IATA SeMs provides a framework for managing regulatory compliance, security risks, threats, and vulnerabilities, using risk-based and data driven strategies to overcome existing and evolving threats.

“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,” said Cathay Cargo Terminal chief operating officer, Mark Watts.

IATA’s senior vice president of operations, safety and security, Nick Careen, said: “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.

“This is not only a significant milestone for Cathay Cargo Terminal, but also another strong milestone for the entire aviation industry, showcasing the importance of robust security measures and collaborative efforts in enhancing global aviation security.”

Cathay Cargo Terminal is also one of the first cargo-handling companies in Asia to achieve IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) certification and has recently renewed its IATA Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) certification for dangerous goods.

Cathay Cargo Terminal will be presented with the formal SeMS certificate at a special ceremony during the IATA World Cargo Symposium in Dubai on April 15.