F&E appoints global aviation security expert as AFSI consultant

Kennie Meikle, currently AVSEC consultant to a private security company as well as Cyprus Airways, is to help drive the AVSEC conference programme.

Having seen service in the armed forces and police service, Meikle joined the aviation industry and has held senior security positions for British Airways, British Caledonian and Gulf Air where he was Head of Security Europe/USA. In 1970 he was part of the Nicosia debriefing team for the hostages from Dawson's Field, Jordan. Meikle is also a former secretary to the Heathrow Security Officers Association and a former security committee member of Northern Ireland Airports, Heathrow, the IATA Security Advisory Committee, the Association of European Airlines and IATA's AVSEC group.

'Kennie has 36 years experience in this vital sector and his experience has seen him input into many IATA airport audits as well as training and working groups,' said Clive Richardson, Chief Executive, F&E.

'With his advice, we envisage producing a conference programme which could well set the benchmark of the industry of the future.'

AFSI will be held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre from February 2-4, 2003. The adjacent conference will have a dual-focus - AVSEC and fire fighting.

'Each grouping has diverse needs which will be addressed vertically,' said Richardson. 'We are looking to produce a world-class event which will become an essential gathering for these two crucial industries.'