May 10, 2003	Saturday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 7, 1424

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RAWALPINDI, May 9: The Pakistan International Airlines is spending over $1.16 million on installation of bulletproof cockpit door security systems and surveillance cameras in some of its jets, officials said on Friday.

The airline would install the system in its eight B-747 and six A-310 planes, and the B-737 aircraft being used for VVIP operations was also being modified, the officials said, adding that seven B-747s and four A-310s had been fitted with the new equipment.

They said that the strategic security equipment was being installed in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) requirements to enhance passenger security, comfort and safety.

The installation was being undertaken indigenously, whereas the equipment had been procured from the Boeing and Airbus companies.

A PIA official, describing the new mechanism, said: “The cockpit door now has an electronic keypad, requiring a security code for entering cockpit, in addition to the pilot remote controlled locking mechanism.”

He said security surveillance cameras would monitor the movement of passengers near cockpit door and aircraft cabin.

“The infrared camera system detects passenger movement even under dim cabin lights and enables the pilot to take preventive measures in case of any suspicious activity,” he added.

Aviation experts and some pilots are of the opinion that bulletproof cockpit doors pose a greater risk to passengers than hijackers.

It should be recalled that the International Federation of Airline Pilots’ Association, at the time of installation of similar equipment in other international airlines, had said reinforced doors were no substitute for better airport security.

Aviation experts say if pilots become incapacitated, possibly by smoke inhalation, it will be impossible to reach the controls inside the high-security cockpit.

They said the reinforced doors could lead to pressure difference between the cockpit and the cabin, possibly causing the flight deck floors to collapse.

PIA officials rejected these fears about the new security system, saying they were not valid.