Security seals are a key component in the securing of global aviation logistics, ensuring that aircraft, airports and airline supply chains are secured against the issues of tampering, theft or bad practice. Security seals play a vital role in airport security, helping to protect aircraft, cargo, and personnel as part of comprehensive security measures. They serve as a means by which an audit history of logistics movements can be maintained so that authorised users might understand where risks under their area of influence might be managed and reduced.
Tamper evident security solutions are essential for protecting both crews and passengers, and these products are designed to comply with international aviation security standards.
Types of Security Labels and Seals
Airplane Door Security Labels
Airplane doors should be sealed overnight whilst unattended to ensure that no-one has accessed the aircraft without prior approval. Security seals and tamper-evident labels are commonly applied to aircraft doors during storage or maintenance to prevent unauthorised access and tampering.
Security labels can be used to seal the seam of the doors in this scenario to ensure that access is notified and recorded. Tamper evident labels and evident security labels with security cuts and void messages provide clear tamper evidence, as a void message appears if the label is tampered with, providing clear evidence of interference and making it impossible to reapply the label without detection.
These labels can be customised with print, such as airline branding, logos, or security messages, and the message printed on the label can include warnings, instructions, or identification details. They can also include qr codes or barcodes for enhanced traceability and tracking. Non-Residue Security Labels cannot be unpeeled or removed without the label delaminating, showing VOID through the surface of the label, but does not leave any unwanted residue on the aircraft itself.
Air Freight / Air Cargo Containers
Air freight / air cargo containers are subject to rugged handling, logistics movements, in-flight turbulence, and more. Proper sealing of air freight and cargo containers is crucial to provide tamper evidence, prevent theft, and ensure the integrity of cargo during transport. Choosing the right security seal is therefore very important, and seals with sophisticated anti-tamper features and high-pulling strengths only should be used.
Universeal UK recommends the application of single-use variable length cable seals in this scenario. Cable seals are much stronger than plastic pull-through seals, featuring pulling strengths ranging from 330+ KgF to 2000+KgF.
Cable seals can only be removed using appropriate cutting tools, which prevents access by unauthorised users and other opportunists during transit, and can easily withstand the forces and rigours of airfreight logistics.
Security seals and tapes are manufactured to withstand extreme conditions such as heat and cold, ensuring the integrity of goods during transport and storage.
Ground Operations Logistics Seals
Ground operation logistic vehicles, such as trucks and trailers, should be sealed with indicative plastic seals to prevent intrusion once within airport boundaries. We recommend the use of pull-through seals with metal and acetal inserts due to the higher level of sophistication they provide, giving clear evidence of tampering.
Pull-through security seals are available in different lengths, pull-strengths and with/without tear-off facilities, to suit the particular requirement. The use of tamper evident seals and labels supports audit trail requirements and enables trace and track features for logistics management.
Waste and Equipment Collection Bags
Waste or equipment collection bags and sacks should be sealed with printed identification ties or security seals to provide safe transport, recycling/reuse or disposal of all manner of items which are bulk-bagged in the course of main airline and airport operations, or operations ancillary to this.
Catering Trolley Security Seals
Tamper evident labels are used to secure catering trolleys, inflight catering carts, duty free boxes, first aid kits and atlas boxes, ensuring the protection of food, emergency supplies, and valuable data on board planes. Security labels are a popular option for the aviation industry in this context because they are inexpensive custom security measures which can flexibly seal across seams and around corners. They are unobtrusive and are easy to remove without slowing air stewards down, particularly whilst focussing on onboard customer service.
Why Choose Universeal?
Our security solutions are versatile and cater to airline as well as the range of supporting sectors, including retail, food, and healthcare sectors. Available in various colours and sizes, they can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different airport and airline customers.
We offer customisation options such as printing company names, logos, or text, along with unique sequential numbering and barcodes. Packaging can also be adapted to suit operational requirements on the ground. For instance, we can create custom security labels or seals specifically designed for waste or equipment collection bags, providing clear tamper-evidence and fulfilling your operational needs.
Summary
These security solutions not only protect sensitive items but also ensure traceability throughout the entire supply chain, supporting both airline and airport operations effectively.
Universeal offers a full range of tamper evident security products, including tapes, labels, and seals, specifically designed to meet the diverse needs of the aviation industry.
For more information, visit the airline section on our website or download our leaflet, Security seals for the aviation industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are airline security seals used for?
Security seals are used to secure aircraft doors, cargo containers, catering trolleys, and other aviation-related items to prevent unauthorised access and provide clear evidence of tampering.
How do tamper evident labels work?
Tamper evident labels display a visible void message or pattern if someone tries to remove or tamper with them, making it impossible to reseal without detection.
Can security seals withstand extreme conditions during air freight?
Absolutely. Security seals and tapes are designed to endure extreme temperatures, humidity, and rough handling during air freight to maintain cargo integrity throughout transit.