ETW Staff – Mumbai
AirAsia has reaffirmed its cooperation with Interpol to integrate the I-Checkit system to screen the passports of all its prospective passengers against information contained in the world police body’s Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) database. AirAsia and Interpol have been testing the I-Checkit system since June 2014, during which nearly six million AirAsia passengers have been screened against the SLTD database when checking in for their flights resulting in 55 positive matches.
After further examination by immigration authorities at the airports, 18 of those passengers were not allowed to board their flights.
Tony Fernandes, group CEO, AirAsia, said, “We would like to thank Interpol for the privilege to work with them and for permitting AirAsia to pilot the I-Checkit system. It is a great product that facilitates our need of improved passenger security and assurance. We look forward to further collaborate with Interpol as we grow our network across various countries.”
Ronald K Noble, secretary general, Interpol said, “Interpol is pleased to reaffirm our commitment with AirAsia to raise public awareness of the nature of organised crime and drive a cross-sector response to the issues and support the global police community in making the world a safer place. The partnership, supported by the Malaysian Government, specifically the ministry of home affairs, recognises the value of the cooperation within the framework that we have established with AirAsia.”
As part of AirAsia’s partnership with Interpol, the airline has painted one of its Airbus A320 planes with a special livery in support of the “Turn Back Crime” global awareness campaign.