Emirates first in Middle East to achieve cargo security TAPA certification

Under the TAPA certification, all airport warehouses of Emirates Group companies - Dnata, Emirates SkyCargo, Emirates Group Security, and Transguard, have been certified to TAPA Classification A - the highest category of the certification.

Certification by TAPA - the professional association of technology product freight forwarding and transport companies - demonstrates an organisation can transport, handle and store shipments of valuable high-tech products such as mobile phones and laptop computers, with security measures that include track-and-trace, constant monitoring, security escorts, special containers and designated storage areas.

The certification was made after a thorough audit of Emirates' security by a TAPA-accredited certification body.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Group Chairman, said: "We are proud to have achieved TAPA certification in recognition of our high security standards."

He added: "Many manufacturers and shippers insist on TAPA certification and - while many ground handling agents have this - we wanted to be one of the first air cargo operations to certify."

Dr. Abdulla Al Hashimi, Emirates Senior Vice President Group Security, said: "We had to invest time, bring in some new equipment and streamline our security to meet TAPA requirements - but we're delighted with the result. TAPA certification shows we have the highest standards of security."

Emirates Airline has one of the youngest fleets in the sky with 87 wide-bodied aircraft including 79 passenger jets and eight freighters (five 747-400Fs, one 747-200F and two Airbus 310Fs); and 45 double-deck A380s, 62 Boeing 777s, 20 A340-600s and one A310F on order.

Emirates SkyCargo now serves more than 75 destinations in 54 countries in Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian subcontinent and the Far East. Dnata is the singular ground handling operator at Dubai International Airport and Cargo Air Terminal, and its main activities are the provision of aircraft and cargo handling.

Emirates Group Security incorporates a Cargo Security and Aircraft Protection Unit, with a new purpose-built Transguard airside security building scheduled to open in January, 2006.