Security Programs for International Air Carriers

Summary#

This is a proposed rule called the Regulations Amending the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012 (Security Program for Air Carriers). It would require many air carriers that operate international flights to have an approved written security program and add related training, risk‑assessment, exercise and audit rules. Transport Canada says the changes would cost about $7.2 million over 12 years and the public can comment for 60 days (this is a proposal, not law).

What it does#

• Requires certain air carriers to create, keep up‑to‑date and get approval for a Security Program for Air Carriers (SPAC). These programs must cover:
  • a designated accountable executive and a named security official;
  • a security risk assessment (threat, vulnerability and impact);
  • a strategic security plan and an emergency plan;
  • annual discussion‑based security exercises and regular internal audits;
  • training for security staff and qualifications for instructors.
• Sets record and retention rules (for example, some program documents for 5 years, training records for 1 year, instructor qualification records for 2 years).
• Tightens existing rules on things like carriage of firearms (firearms must be declared unloaded and kept inaccessible in flight) and removing goods left on board after each flight.
• Requires foreign carriers to show their programs align with Canada’s National Civil Aviation Security Program or provide supplementary station procedures where there are differences.
• New qualifying carriers would be blocked from starting international service in Canada unless they can show key security program elements are in place after the initial transition period.
• Establishes penalties for non‑compliance (corporate fines up to $25,000, and smaller fines in some cases up to $10,000 for certain records obligations).
• Timeline: the draft says the rules would come into force three years after they are published in the Canada Gazette, Part II; Transport Canada expects Part II publication around 2027.

Who's affected#

• The biggest direct effect is on air carriers that operate international flights to or from Canada and meet the size criteria. In the government’s analysis this is 97 carriers in total: 16 Canadian‑based carriers and 81 foreign carriers.
• The new Part 9 rules only apply to carriers that operate aircraft certified for 20 or more passengers and with a maximum take‑off weight of more than 8,618 kg, and that fly to or from screened passenger aerodromes.
• Transport Canada would also spend extra staff time to review, approve and oversee these security programs (the department’s share of estimated costs is $4.3 million of the total).
• The travelling public and businesses could see indirect effects if carriers pass on some costs in fares or cargo charges.

Why it matters#

• The intent is to bring Canada into closer alignment with international aviation security standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). That helps other countries accept Canadian carriers and reduces the chance of a negative ICAO audit finding.
• In practical terms, the rules aim to make flights that connect with Canada more consistently prepared for threats by: making carriers document risks, train staff, run exercises and fix problems found by audits.
• The government estimates industry would bear about $2.9 million of the total cost and that per‑passenger impacts would likely be small (estimated between $0.0007 and $1.91 per passenger; for cargo‑only flights $1.59 to $4.28 per flight), but many of the benefits (avoided incidents) are hard to quantify and are described qualitatively.
• This is a proposed regulation currently open for comment. The changes are not in force yet and could be modified following consultations.