Every year, in the 28 EU Member States, about one billion passengers travel by air (910 Million in 2015 – Source Eurostat).  Every one of them, as well as their cabin and hold luggage will have gone through the security controls that have been made mandatory by EU legislation, as well as their hold and cabin baggage.

Before the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001, aviation security in the EU was the responsibility of each EU Member States.  After the attacks, the EU decided to develop a common EU aviation security regime aimed at protecting people and goods from unlawful interference with civil aircraft.

Therefore, common rules were established in the framework Regulation (EC) 2320/2002, and were further complemented by more detailed legislation, to allow for more flexibility in adopting security measures to meet evolving risks.

In the course of time, an increasing number of security tasks have been passed on from public authorities to Private Security Companies.  Private Security companies employ around 45,000 to 50,000 guards and screeners to control passengers and their luggage in a large number of European airports. 

ASSA-i members represents over 70% of all these outsourced private security services and are committed to the highest standards and procedures to reinforce the passengers’ trust in the aviation security and optimise their experience.