Aviation Security Service

The Aviation Security Service (Avsec) is the operational arm of the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that is responsible for the delivery of aviation security at security-designated airports.[1]

Organisation

The Aviation Security Service was established as a result of the addition of Annex 17 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation which required that passengers and baggage be screened for weapons. It also required that aviation security be maintained through patrols of operational security areas and having trained officers available to respond to breaches of aviation security. As a result, New Zealand established Avsec in 1977 to fulfil these requirements and meet its obligations under the convention. [2]

In terms of governance, the service is part of the CAA and reports to its chief executive. However, it is operationally independent from the regulatory function arm of the authority and is required to have a separate budget.[3][2]

Functions

Avsec's primary activities involve security screening as well as maintaining the security of restricted areas through patrols and an Airport Identity Card system. However, the service does also fulfil other functions.[4]

Security Screening

Avsec undertakes pre-boarding security screening of passengers (and their carry-on baggage) travelling on international flights or domestic flights that operate using aircraft with seats for 90 or more passengers.[4] Currently there are only six security-designated airports with flights that fall into this category:

In the 2018/19 year (pre-covid), Avsec screened an estimated 6.9 million International passengers and 7.7 million Domestic passengers.[1]

References
  1. "Briefing to the Incoming Minister: Civil Aviation Authority" (PDF). Beehive.govt.nz. 14 December 2020. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
  2. "History of aviation security in New Zealand | aviation.govt.nz". www.aviation.govt.nz. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
  3. "Briefing to the Incoming Minister: Civil Aviation Authority" (PDF). Beehive.govt.nz. pp. 38, 42. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
  4. "Aviation Security Service: Avsec's Role". 2018-01-27. Archived from the original on 2018-01-27. Retrieved 2023-09-11.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
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