Aviation security institute to be launched at CIAL on February 1

Kochi: The Cochin International Airport Limited is set to take flight to new horizons by launching the Aviation Security Training Institute next month at a cost of Rs 2 crore, to train personnel of all stakeholders covering security areas at airports.

The institute which will be launched on February 1, will function on the premises of the Cochin International Aviation Services Limited (CIASL), a subsidiary of CIAL situated near Nedumbassery airport.  The institute has been set up after two years of persistent efforts by CIAL to create infrastructure like computer-based training, explosive model section, x-ray simulator training section and library.

“Each individual in the security departments of airports, various airlines that are operating, CISF and ground handling agencies have to qualify after doing the 12-day basic course of aviation security and one-week screening test.

This is a mandatory requirement. Currently, these personnel are sent to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) regional offices like Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi and also to Hyderabad and these centres are not able to meet the demand. It is mandatory to get 80 percent marks to pass these examinations and due to this, the chances of reappearance are more,” said A.C.K. Nair, CIAL director.

Those working in airports like Mangalore, Calicut, Coimbatore, Trichy, Madurai and Thiruvanan-thapuram apart from Cochin will benefit from the Cochin centre. Currently they have to go to distant places.

The x-ray simulators are meant to train the personnel for mapping images to help the screener interpret the images. Weakness in identifying explosive devices are also monitored and rectified. BCAS sets the exam calendar and conducts the exam.