Global K9 Calls for FREDDs for aircraft engines

The current regulations for air cargo security checks in the United Kingdom lead to unnecessary costs and emissions, as aircraft engines are regularly transported to the EU to be inspected by specially trained dogs. This was stated by Chris Daniels, Chief Commercial Officer of Global K9 (GK9), at the Multimodal event in Birmingham.

Daniels pointed out that the current regulation does not allow for aircraft engines to be inspected in the UK by certified dog teams. Therefore, these shipments often have to be transported by road to Belgian airports (Liège and Brussels), where dog inspections are permitted under European regulations. After inspection in Europe, the cargo can then be returned to the UK as controlled shipments.

“Air cargo in the UK is currently taking a costly and environmentally harmful detour,” said Daniels. He emphasized that dog inspections for aircraft engines are already established in other countries and supported by experienced service providers. However, the regulatory framework in the UK has not yet kept pace with operational possibilities.

“We need a policy that reflects what is possible and beneficial for the industry, while safety remains the top priority,” Daniels continued.

Global K9 launched its European operations in December 2024 and is now active in the Netherlands, Belgium, and the UK. In the United Kingdom, the so-called Free Running Explosive Detection Dogs (FREDDs) are stationed at airports in London (Heathrow and Gatwick) and Aberdeen.

In the USA, the company works closely with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to support the development of regulations for dog inspections in the cargo sector. GK9 was the first organization to operate a TSA-approved Certified Cargo Screening Facility – K9 (CCSF-K9).

Daniels emphasized that closer collaboration between the industry and regulatory authorities could help modernize UK security regulations without compromising the highest safety standards.

He noted that the approval of certified dog inspections for aircraft engines in the UK would reduce unnecessary cross-border transports, lower operating costs for exporters, and enhance the competitiveness of the UK air cargo sector by conducting more inspections domestically.

“Logistics is one of the largest contributors to transport emissions,” Daniels added. “Where safe and secure alternatives exist that reduce unnecessary movements, we have a responsibility to explore these.”

www.globalk9protectiongroup.com