WFS invests in centralized security operations centre in Paris

Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has invested in a new Security Operations Centre (SOC) for the Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa (EMEAA) region, providing centralized 24/7 monitoring of its cargo handling operations.

Located in Paris CDG, the Centre commences operation this month to further enhance WFS’ core focus on delivering the highest standards of aviation security and safety across its growing network. The SOC will be the security focal point for over 40 of WFS’ cargo handling sites in 12 countries in the EMEAA region, with a dedicated team of security personnel monitoring over 1,900 CCTV cameras and 60 digital video recorders. The establishment of this new SOC coincided with the latest upgrade of CCTV equipment across its cargo network. 

Access to the SOC is strictly controlled and regular audits are conducted to ensure compliance with EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable privacy laws and regulations.

This security model has already been implemented successfully in North America. WFS opened its first Security Operations Centre in New York JFK in 2017 to ensure compliance with aviation security protocols at all its stations in the U.S. and Canada.  

“As the world’s largest cargo handler, WFS works with over 270 airlines globally, and has operations at 175 airports around the world. Our first corporate priority is to ensure safety and security at every single station to protect our employees, our customers, partners and the traveling public. This is why we regularly review our security systems and protocols and invest in training and advanced digital technologies to maintain the highest safety and security standards in our industry,” said David Clark, Global Head of Safety and Security at WFS.

“Our new Security Operations Centre in Paris provides a central function and security team to help our local teams across EMEAA identify and resolve any security and safety non-compliances as quickly and effectively as possible,” he added. “In overseeing our operations in real-time and routinely auditing security process compliance across all cargo sites, we’re completing our platform for global remote monitoring, which opens up exciting opportunities for the future, including artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to further reduce safety and security risks.” 

In addition to this new industry-leading global CCTV monitoring capability, WFS has invested in Enablon’s award-winning cloud-based software suite to manage all incidents, audit and risk assessments. This allows the WFS SOC teams, as well as local and regional teams, to quickly and easily record incidents, audits, inspections and action plans, and gives management real-time oversight across the whole WFS network.