Panafrican News Agency

São Tomé steps up airport security

Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe (PANA) - The National Institute of Civil Aviation (INAC) of Sao Tome and Principe is implementing an airport security plan with a permanent presence of experts, during check-in for flights to Europe.

"After the events of September 11 in the United States of America, we are called upon to strengthen the security system," said Mauro Sousa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of INAC.

Last week, the INAC team focused mainly on the screening of hand luggage and this operation prevented several kilograms of illegal cargo from reaching Europe.

"The safety culture is an issue that we cannot leave to ENASA (National Society of Airport Security) alone. All airlines must give of our best," he stressed.

He added that Sao Tome and Principe International Airport handles about 11,000 passengers per year, with four weekly flights to Europe and countries in the African sub-region.

"However, if we improve security, we give guarantees to  tourists who visit us, taking into account that tourism is a government priority," said Osvaldo Abreu, Minister of Public Works, Natural Resources and the Environment.

In order to better test the new safety parameters required by International Civil Aviation Organisation (IACO), aviation experts from Portuguese-speaking African countries - Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau and Sao Tome  and Principe - are meeting in the Sao Tome capital.

According to Luis Moço, representative of the European Civil Aviation Conference, several models and experiences from advanced countries will be presented, so that each State can better equip these sectors.
-0- PANA RMG/DD/CJB/BEH/MTA/MA 23May2019