Safe air traffic begins on the ground

Airport security is a class apart. The strict enforcement of security requirements and being a good host are competing priorities in this regard. According to Rob van den Bergh of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in the Netherlands, “Securitas Aviation maintains this balance well. I am happy to seek out their cooperation.”

For Amsterdam Airport Schiphol security is a key process. As Manager of Security Operations, Rob van den Bergh is responsible for this. It is a task that is entrusted to more than 4,000 “security agents” each year. Van den Bergh: “In a sector that is all about finding irregularities, working with Securitas is a relief.”

High level

At Schiphol, Securitas is responsible for inspecting the crew going from and to the aircrafts and for surveillance of the piers and in the massive baggage cellars. “This involves both a high-quality execution of tasks – therefore, according to the contractual agreements on quality – as well as identifying possible improvement issues,” is how Van den Bergh describes the task assignment. “Quick follow-up of reports, customer-friendliness and sharing information in daily meetings; these are a few of the strict requirements successfully met by Securitas. In addition, they regularly step in if there is a manpower problem somewhere.”

Training in de-escalation

Securitas has been active at Schiphol for many years now. It started working directly for the airport for the first time in 2008. It is a cooperation with many possibilities. Van den Bergh: “For example, look at how the inspection of the crew progresses. It is especially ‘flying personnel’ who have to undergo a lot of inspections. The art is, therefore, to make up for the possible irritation with the courteousness of a good host. Securitas is extremely good at this; it’s done by paying extra attention to communication skills and training employees in de-escalation. And this works,” says the Security manager. “There are simply no more incidents.”

Logical co-operation

 “The demand for security within the air traffic sector will only increase,” predicts Van den Bergh. “We have to comply with an increasing number of European regulations. With a reliable partner, I know what I’m getting. Quite logically, therefore, I am happy to seek out Securitas’s cooperation.”


 

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