Undercover armed guards to be placed on flights between Australia and Singapore

Airline Industry Information, Dec 16, 2003

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Australia and Singapore have introduced random patrols of undercover armed security guards on flights between the two countries.

The undercover guards are part of a deal between the two countries which is designed to boost aviation security in southeast Asia. The programme will only cover flights by Australia's Qantas Airways and Singapore Airlines, and does not cover airlines from other countries flying between Singapore and Australia.

Australia began placing armed guards on random domestic flights two years ago following the 11 September terrorist attacks, and is said to be negotiating similar agreements with the US and Canada, reported Reuters.

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