THE use of armed "sky marshals" on passenger planes is set to spread across Europe, following a deal on aviation security hammered out in the 27-nation European Union.After the September 11 attacks in the United States, the European Union adopted joint rules for checking air passengers, their baggage, freight, mail and flight and ground crews. But measures such as the use of on-board security personnel were optional.
At the end of consultations, European parliament members and officials from EU states agreed on a compromise setting new common rules and standards.
"The necessity of new security measures that are implemented quickly and effectively is undoubted," transport committee chairman Paolo Costa said. "I am glad that we found an agreement which will increase security and balance anti-terrorism measures and passengers' rights," he said.
The deal sets common basic standards for airport and aircraft security, passengers and baggage, categories of articles that may be prohibited, cargo and mail, in-flight and airport supplies, and staff recruitment and training. Countries that deploy in-flight security officers will have to ensure that they are specially selected and trained. Weapons may only be carried on an aircraft under special security conditions.
Parts of the package, which still has to be rubber stamped by EU transport ministers and a full plenary session of the parliament in March, could come into force by April.