New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association calls for increased security at airports to combat foreign fighters

The New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association NZALPA is calling for increased security measures to be brought in to New Zealand airports following the Government’s announcement that up to 40 people are being monitored as possible foreign fighters.

NZALPA Technical Director Captain Rob Torenvlied welcomes the Prime Ministers statement regarding threats to national security.

“Security screening should be introduced immediately for all passengers travelling in New Zealand, not just those flying on jet aircraft as is currently the case.

This would include passengers flying on regional turboprop services within the country. Currently only passengers flying on aircraft with 90 seats or more are security screened before boarding aircraft.”

“Furthermore, NZALPA believes all staff working airside at our airports should be screened before being allowed to proceed airside. This includes ground handling staff, baggage loaders and cleaners. This would close another large security risk to the travelling public.

With recent news that one Islamic threat could be based in Hawke’s Bay there is real concern that stricter controls need to be implemented without further delay.”

“Most provincial flying routes do not have adequate screening processes and this was highlighted in Blenheim with the woman who attempted to overpower the pilots controlling the plane before she was apprehended,” he said.

“Of paramount concern is the safety of our passengers and crews on flights within New Zealand and internationally.” Captain Torenvlied said.

In a ground breaking speech today Prime Minister John Key has laid out what he claims to be the threats to New Zealand's national security.

Up to 40 people are being monitored by government agencies as possible foreign fighters because of their engagement in ''extremist'' behaviour, Prime Minister John Key claims.

''Government agencies have a watch list of between 30 and 40 people of concern in the foreign fighter context. These are people in, or from New Zealand who are in various ways participating in extremist behaviour,'' Mr Key said.

Some of the list had travelled to Syria to fight beside Islamic State, also known as Isil and Isis, Mr Key said.

The remainder of the list, Mr Key said, were ''involved in funding terrorism, radicalising others or are becoming radicalised themselves. Another 30 to 40 individuals require further investigation in addition to the watch list group''.

“The New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association is convinced that now more than ever we have to be extra vigilant about the types of passengers flying on our planes and the potential links they may have to Isis.”

“None of us are immune to the workings of this group and to be prepared and take proper precautions is paramount to ensure the safety of passengers and pilots,” Captain Torenvlied said.

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