11th of November: TNT Express steps up security measures
TNT Express is taking a series of additional measures to protect its customers and their consignments as well as its employees and networks from the threat of bomb-parcels. The company has reinforced air and ground security controls, including the screening of consignments, in all countries where it operates. This covers TNT’s own operations, but also that of its associates, subcontractors, and partner airlines involved in the transportation of TNT shipments.
TNT already implements a global security standard that meets or exceeds local security standards. TNT Express is nonetheless completing a risk assessment to identify areas where security could be further enhanced. This includes the evaluation of all airports where TNT operates or plans to operate in the near future.
TNT routinely cooperates with national and international authorities responsible for transportation security worldwide. In the coming weeks, TNT Express will intensify dialogue with customers and security officials to raise existing security standards. TNT will of course review and align with any developing regulations.
“TNT Express is committed to strengthening transportation security worldwide,” says Marie-Christine Lombard, Group Managing Director Express. “Together with security officials, customers and the industry, we are determined to enforce all reasonable measures to allow the safe transport of world trade.”
TNT is currently subject to several international regulations, including ICAO Annex 17, and also takes account of other international recommendations, such as ECAC Doc 30, ICAO Security recommendations, and industry-driven best practices, like IATA IOSA program and TAPA certification.
Statement on suspicious package investigation
TNT on 2 November detected the presence of a suspicious package onboard one of its cargo planes, operating between and . TNT Airways instructed the crew to divert to , and warned security officials. The plane landed and was unloaded safely. TNT is fully cooperating with the authorities as they investigate the case. We cannot comment on the investigation or on TNT's security procedures. TNT applies strict security measures to protect its employees, network and customers' consignments. With respect to security, we actively engage with transportation officials, industry peers and customers.
Sunday 31 October 2010: Screening & Embargo of shipments from Yemen
TNT has put an embargo on all shipments from Yemen, as requested by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and fully cooperates with any required examination of shipments.
Shipments originating from Yemen in the same time frame are being quarantined in Dubai or Liege until cleared.
Shipments originating from Yemen that are handled by TNT are always pass through Dubai, where they are screened and xrayed. TNT does not operate dedicated flights to/from Yemen.
As an international air carrier with inbound flights to the U.S., TNT Airways applies strict security measures in cooperation with transportation security officials.
Summary of recent developments as at 30 October 2010
Officials in the U.K. and Dubai have intercepted two packages originating from Yemen, which were bound for Chicago, United States. Both packages contained explosives. One package, found at the UK's East Midlands Airport, contained a "manipulated" toner cartridge with wires and a circuit board on it, a law enforcement source said. A similar package set to be shipped on a cargo plane was discovered in Dubai, the law enforcement source and Dubai officials said.
The discovery triggered examinations of three cargo planes that landed in Philadelphia and in Newark, New Jersey. An airline passenger plane was escorted by fighter jets to New York because of concerns about a package from Yemen on board. Nothing suspicious was found on the planes, according to the FBI.
For the latest international news: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/