Cathay Cargo Terminal has announced that it has become the first ground handling organization in Asia to successfully achieve the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Security Management System (SeMS) certification, attaining Operating Status — the highest possible tier for a first-time SeMS certification.

IATA SeMS provides a structured framework for proactively managing regulatory compliance, security risks, threats, and vulnerabilities. Organisations who take an SeMS approach work to continuously improve security measures, emphasising risk-based and data-driven strategies to overcome new, existing and evolving threats.

Cathay Cargo Terminal Chief Operating Officer Mark Watts said:

“Security is foundational for any airport cargo terminal, and we are proud to be recognised by IATA for our strong commitment to all areas of security. Our recent use of AI to augment intruder detection and unattended cargo detection, as well as our significant investments in cybersecurity underscore our proactive approach to keeping our customers’ equipment, cargo, and data safe.”

IATA Senior Vice President, Operations, Safety and Security Nick Careen said:

“Achieving IATA's Security Management System (SeMS) Certification (Operating Status) is a testament to Cathay Cargo Terminal’s dedication to proactive and riskbased security management. By embedding SeMS principles into its operations, Cathay Cargo Terminal reinforces and strengthens its overall security framework and also contributes to the broader goal of modernising aviation security through proactive continuous improvement and industry-wide collaboration. This is not only a significant milestone for Cathay Cargo Terminal, but also another strong milestone for the entire aviation industry, showcasing the importance of robust security measures and collaborative efforts in enhancing global aviation security.”