AISATS BLR Air Freight Terminal has been re-certified with TAPA FSR 2014 Class A Certification

AUG 25, 2015: Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt. Ltd. (AISATS), has been re-certified with “TAPA FSR 2014 Class A” certification for its Air Freight Terminal at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR). AISATS BLR is the first Air Cargo Terminal Operator in India to have a warehouse facility certified for “TAPA FSR 2014 Class A” standards. The certification is considered to be the highest degree of warehouse security in comparison with the other Class B or Class C standards.

TAPA (Transported Asset Protection Association) is a unique forum that unites global manufacturers, logistics providers, freight carriers, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders with the common aim of reducing losses from national and international supply chains. FSR (Facility Security Requirements) is established to ensure the safe and secure in-transit storage and warehousing of any TAPA members’ assets throughout the world.

The certification was received from TUV Rheinland India Pvt. Ltd., the German Certification, Inspection and Testing agency, which is also the TAPA IAB (Independent Audit Body). The audit was conducted on various parameters such as perimeter security, facility’s various tight access controls, secure handling of high value products, high tech equipment for cargo handling, installation of vital surveillance and alarm systems, safe and secure freight handover process and workforce integrity .

Back in 2012, AISATS Air Freight Terminal had received its first TAPA certification and AISATS was the only airport service provider to receive such a certification not only in India but also in IMEA (India, Middle East & Africa) region. The re-certification ensures consistency in adherence to highest security standards for its warehouse operations. It has also helped AISATS to maintain a competitive edge and reduced insurance liability exposure to the company. The TAPA FSR 2014 Class A Certification is in sync with other Security Management Systems and is relatively more difficult and practical. In comparison with the earlier FSR 2011 Class A standard, where the passing criteria is based on scoring and averaging, the new standard focuses on absolute conformance and compliance with each and every clause thus making it more stringent, accurate and diminishing the potential risk and threat to the maximum.

On getting recertified with “TAPA FSR 2014 Class A” Willy Ko, CEO, AISATS said, “At AISATS, safety and security is one of our core values and we always aim to provide best handling services, at all times. Re-certification of our - air freight terminal at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR) with TAPA FSR 2014 Class A Certification, which is the highest degree of warehouse security standards, not only shows AISATS’ commitment to ensure an increased security of warehousing and handling but also assures our customers the security expectations for their goods and products handled and stored in our warehouse.”

Chitradeep Banerjee the Auditor for this certification, who also happens to be the all India product Head of TAPA and the AGM-System & Industry for TUV Rheinland India Pvt. Ltd. said. “After the first Gap Analysis Audit, challenges were evidenced with certain areas requiring special attention. Remarkably, before the final certification audit, the competent team took lot of efforts in bridging the gaps, giving a very positive message that nothing is impossible if you have the right attitude. The tenacity and the commitment of the top management was highly appreciable and it was a very well deserved certification for AISATS. I believe that they will surely sustain & maintain this high security standard at all levels in the days to come”.

Speaking on this occasion Bhaskar M, Director, TUV Rheinland India also said, “These days supply chain and the logistics service providers face a major challenge in ensuring safety for cargo movement in warehouses. These companies also incur a huge cost, liability and are prone to legal risk in case of any theft or losses. Our TAPA certification ensures the minimization of cargo losses from the supply chain through the development and application of global security standards. We are confident that, as a TAPA certified company, Air India SATS will be able to demonstrate to its customers and investors that it uses industry-respected best practices and have an edge over competition.”