Supply chains are facing disruption caused by the new threat of incendiary devices being placed on aircraft.
Following the discovery of incendiary devices in European parcel networks, Airforwarders Association executive director Brandon Fried warned that this new threat has implications for global supply chains and international economies.
He said that similar incidents could affect supply chains across the globe with end customers experiencing delays and cancellations in deliveries in the run-up to the holiday season.
The incidents in the UK and Germany are being investigated by anti-terror police and are suspected to be part of a wider campaign carried out by Russian spies across Europe this year.
Following the incidents, stricter security requirements for air cargo were rushed through by the US, Canada and Australia.
“We can see efforts are being made to keep our aircraft safe and regulations should adapt quickly to the new threat,” said Fried.
“Legislation and requirements have already changed in the US and Europe to accommodate more thorough and stringent tests.
“If a hostile state has decided to engage in wanton destructive behaviour, we must come together in the freight industry to protect our personnel and make sure every effort is made to protect our global cargo lines.
“Freight forwarders, who manage the organization of cargo shipments, have the expertise and capability to help the authorities, governments and businesses protect their supply chains.
“Aircraft are frequently used for critical deliveries in pharma, like vaccines, so the need to keep these routes secure is of paramount importance.”
Earlier this week it was revealed that a shipment containing an incendiary device found its way into DHL’s UK parcel network and caught fire in July.
The Guardian and German broadcasters WDR and NDR reported that the device had been transported by aircraft into the UK and later caught fire at a DHL warehouse in Birmingham.
The incident occurred in July but has only come to light this week following the investigation.
A similar incident occurred in Germany earlier this year with the package igniting in Leipzig.
The head of Germany’s domestic intelligence service, Thomas Haldenwang, said the shipment had been delayed and would otherwise have been on an aircraft when it caught fire, which would have resulted in a crash.
In a statement to Air Cargo News, DHL Express said: “DHL Express Europe is taking risk mitigation actions to secure its network, staff and assets as well as customer shipments by implementing strengthened security measures across the European countries as a reaction to ongoing investigations by authorities from several countries.”
Incendiary device revealed to have been found in UK parcel network
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