Etihad Airways’ air freight arm, Etihad Cargo, has announced its full preparedness for the UAE’s Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) regulations, in line with the carrier’s commitment to security and operational efficiency.
Enhanced safety
PLACI is an advanced security measure designed to enhance the monitoring and safety of air cargo.
It requires cargo data to be submitted to regulatory authorities for risk assessment before loading, enhancing supply chain security by identifying potential threats and streamlining the flow of commerce.
Originally implemented by the US Customs and Border Protection in 2019 under the Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) programme, and later adopted by the European Union with the Import Control System 2 (ICS2) in 2023, PLACI has become a crucial element in global air cargo security.
Both ACAS and ICS2 are fully integrated into Etihad Cargo’s operational processes. Furthermore, the airline was one of the first carriers to start live filing to ACAS.
The UAE’s National Advance Information Centre (NAIC), operating under the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, will be the first entity outside North America and Europe to implement the protocol.
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Streamlining processes
Etihad Cargo’s participation in the initiative’s pilot phase has allowed the carrier to refine its processes and infrastructure, ensuring full compliance and readiness for the new regulations.
Among the key measures the carrier has implemented to ensure its readiness for PLACI, Etihad Cargo has committed to maintaining a proper chain of custody in compliance with local and regulatory security requirements; screening all cargo and providing proof of screening for all shipments; protecting consignments through various security monitoring solutions, which include 24/7 CCTV surveillance and guarding; and performing random checks to ensure compliance with the established procedures.
“As a combination carrier operating both passenger and freighter flights, the security and safety of guests, staff and the aircraft is a top concern for Etihad Cargo—Etihad Cargo plays a significant role within the supply chain and has an increased responsibility to act as a filter and aid compliance,” Etihad Cargo’s Vice President-Cargo, Stanislas Brun said, highlighting that by ensuring that all security measures are addressed before loading, Etihad Cargo’s operations not only enhance safety, compliance and security; but also provide partners and customers with peace of mind, knowing their cargo is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
