‘Freight Knox’ security for high-value cargo at WestJet

WestJet Cargo in January will begin outsourcing security personnel as an option for customers to add extra safeguards to valuable cargo. [caption id="attachment_57139568" align="alignright" width="300"] (Courtesy/WestJet Cargo)[/caption] Security measures offered through the new Safe’Air program include third-party oversight from a security contractor, direct supervision, secure storage protocols and specialized security containers that will initially be available for flights between Canada and the United States, and ultimately across WestJet’s network. The service is initially available between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Calgary International Airport (YYC), Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Other stations will be launched according to customer demand, the carrier stated. YYZ made the news in a bad way in April when $14.8 million of gold and other commodities were stolen from the airport. Air Canada was transporting the cargo. Increased security “A security service provider has been engaged by WestJet Cargo to oversee the entire handling process of the shipment,” Kirsten de Bruijn , executive vice president of cargo, told Air Cargo Next . “This ensures that the shipment is securely supervised right from the point of acceptance at the origin, through the loading process and during flight departure,” she said. “Similarly, at the destination, security measures are in place from before the flight’s arrival, throughout the unloading process and until final delivery.” A third-party oversight contractor will be chosen for each Safe’Air job. “The choice of security service provider varies depending on the location and is assessed based on a variety of factors,” de Bruijn said. “A single service is not used across all locations.” WestJet’s Safe’Air containers for valuable cargo are a distinctive blue color, distinguishing them from other containers, de Bruijn said. Each container also bears unique serial and tracking numbers. “These containers are sealed with top-of-the-line, high-quality metal seals,” de Bruijn said. This lends “exceptional strength and quality, rendering them tamper-proof.” Safe’Air combines hands-on security with tech-oriented solutions. “Safeguarding high-value cargo relies on a combination of technology and precise procedures ,” de Bruijn said. “We partner with security experts and maintain secure areas with surveillance systems. When valuable cargo is in storage, documentation and security seals are monitored to ensure integrity. The cargo is also transported separately, and security agents remain vigilant until the aircraft departs. These measures ensure comprehensive protection for valuable shipments.” Protection from theft, tampering Safe’Air, which was developed in collaboration with freight forwarders, can be tailored to accommodate a range of high-value items, including high-end technology, pharmaceuticals, confidential documents and precious stones, according to the carrier. WestJet Cargo declined to specify how much Safe’Air costs shippers. “All hands on deck, all eyes on the ball, and absolutely no loopholes allowed,” Nawal Mir , product manager at WestJet Cargo, said in a release from the carrier. “We’ve created a true ‘Freight Knox’ service at four of our stations and will roll it out to other destinations as soon as we are certain they are ready and capable of delivery.” De Bruijn, who did not discuss the YYZ heist in April, said WestJet Cargo chose to launch Safe’Air in response to customer demand and to diversify services.

‘Freight Knox’ security for high-value cargo at WestJet

Carrier offers customers third-party security oversight, high-tech containers

Icelease adds Tianjin Air Cargo as 737-800BCF lessee

Consultant’s Insight: FedEx Express disappoints again

Related Posts

Cyber Aviation Global Forum to explore advancing cybersecurity risks in aviation

Fraunhofer looks to bring autonomous tech to air cargo

More data scientists needed for increasingly digital industry

Consultant’s Insight: FedEx Express disappoints again

Cargo Facts Free Newsletters

Cargo Facts Connect Podcast

Follow Us

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password