Cargo firms face security backlash

Date: 18/07/02

AIR cargo firms say governments across the world risk hurting their sector with 'knee-jerk reactions' to the 11 September attacks - even though the security-conscious industry has never been a victim of a terrorist attack.

Jaap Mulders, chairman of the European Express Association, a group of Europe-based express delivery firms, said cargo firms risk bearing the brunt of beefed-up security measures.

He said the response to 11 September could be just as damaging as the reaction to the bombing of the Pan-Am jet over Lockerbie, in Scotland, 12 years ago.

The 'knee-jerk reaction to this major incident severely impacted' industry, said Mulders. The situation is unlikely to improve much in most world markets - despite EU efforts to set harmonised safety rules for the sector, he added.