GCAA considers introducing full body scanners at UAE airports as it launches new campaign

Although no decision in the matter has yet been made, H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director-general of the GCAA, told the media in Dubai on Wednesday that there is a huge debate going on regarding the system, its requirement and the implications.  

“We have formed a technical committee to study this and provide us a solution to go for it,” he added.

Last year authorities in Dubai ruled out the use of full body scanners, with Dubai police’s director of airport security, Brigadier Ahmed bin Thani, saying at the time that the devices do not correspond with national customs and ethics. “The use of such a device violates personal privacy and it raises a very sensitive issue for passengers, in addition to the fact that it does not comply with our national ethics,” he said.

However, it seems there has been a change of heart, with H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi making the statement while addressing the media before launching a large-scale civil aviation safety and security awareness campaign under the slogan “Love Your Sky”.   

The “Love Your Sky” campaign runs until the end of December 2011 in cooperation with several organisations in the sector.  

Aimed at raising awareness on flight and passenger safety all over the UAE, this campaign will focus on a wide range of topics and issues that passengers constantly face, and which cause damage or disturbance — to airports or carriers or passengers.

“Although the UAE boasts an excellent passenger and flight safety and security record, it is an urgent need to constantly seek to achieve the highest security and safety standards.  It is very important to all players in the UAE civil aviation sector that the GCAA remains fully focused in terms of improving flight and passenger safety and security, thus, all procedures taken or adopted in this regard must be precautionary and proactive, not depending on reactions. The lack of regular, accurate reviews of safety and security programmes would render the best plans unsuccessful,” he added.

UAE-based carriers are offering sponsorship to the campaign, with Etihad Airways being the golden sponsor, Emirates and Presidential Flight as silver sponsors.

Khaled Al Mehairbi, senior vice president Government Affairs and Aeropolitical, Etihad Airways, said: “There is nothing more important to an airline than safety. It is our number one priority at Etihad, and we are happy to support any initiative that enhances safety”. 
 


"In this case, we are very pleased to be working with our aviation partners in the UAE to being greater awareness to the travelling public about how we can all work together to make sure our skies are safe and secure.” Al Mehairbi added.

“Safety remains the number one priority for Emirates and we continue to work closely with the GCAA to ensure that our procedures are in line with their stringent safety regulations,” said Mohammed Al Khaja, Emirates senior vice president group safety and standards. “The ‘Love Your Sky’ campaign is an excellent initiative from the GCAA and we are proud to be involved with it. Empowering the public to make informed decisions when travelling by air is an essential part of keeping our skies safe.  As a leading international airline we remain committed to following worldwide safety best practice and continue to invest significantly in safety training and development.”

The campaign aims to raise awareness regarding prohibited items, carrying others’ baggage, smoking, radio-controlled planes, allowed baggage weight, security checks, disruptive passengers, using electronic devices, health condition of passenger, carrying liquids, aerosols and gels, carrying pets and live animals, co-operation with security and joking with security personnel.