Aviation security officers at V.C. Bird International Airport are receiving greater professional recognition under new Chief Executive Officer Kurt Menal, who says their work is vital not only to airport operations but to Antigua and Barbuda’s national security.

Menal told ABS News that he wants greater attention placed on the responsibilities carried by the officers and the importance of treating aviation security as a distinct profession.

The officers are now formally recognised as aviation security personnel, a designation Menal said is in keeping with international best practices and better reflects the scope of their duties.

“What I want to do is to highlight them as a profession, highlight them as a body of people, that literally is responsible, not just for airport security but for national security,” Menal said.

Aviation security personnel play a central role in safeguarding passengers, airport employees, aircraft, facilities and restricted areas at V.C. Bird International Airport.

Menal said their responsibilities should also be viewed within the broader national security framework because the airport is one of Antigua and Barbuda’s principal international gateways.

His comments reflect a push by the airport’s new leadership to raise the profile of aviation security personnel and strengthen public appreciation for the work they perform.

The emphasis also marks a shift away from viewing the officers simply as airport security workers, with Menal seeking to reinforce their professional standing and the wider significance of their duties.

Menal recently assumed the position of chief executive officer at V.C. Bird International Airport.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: New Airport CEO Moves to Elevate Status of Aviation Security Officers.