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CCTV for terminals and planes |
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April 14, 2005 From: QANTAS will install closed
circuit television surveillance in baggage handling areas at terminals in
Australia and the holds of some of its planes.
Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon
said the airline also would increase loss prevention measures, including increased
inspections of staff entering and leaving the workplace. The airline's announcement
comes days after a baggage handler who allegedly removed an animal costume from
a passenger's checked-in luggage at Sydney airport was stood down. The passenger
has claimed he saw the handler on the tarmac wearing a camel head costume that
had been packed in the luggage. Mr Dixon said Qantas already had more than 900
CCTV
surveillance units in operation in Australia, mostly at airports. "Significant
additional equipment will ensure, as closely as possible, 100 per cent coverage
of key baggage areas in terminals owned or solely leased by Qantas," he said.
"We have also instigated discussions on Qantas' upgraded baggage security requirements
with the owners and operators of other terminals in Australia and overseas where
Qantas operates." Mr Dixon said very few airlines placed surveillance equipment
in the holds of their aircraft. "This action by Qantas will require the support
and authorisation of some government authorities within Australia." Qantas' decision
to upgrade its already extensive security was a result of heightened public concern
about baggage security, he said. Qantas services 151 terminals at 136 airports
around the world. from News. |
