Westminster International Ltd announces that its recently awarded major multi-million USD airport security contract has successfully commenced on 1st May 2012.
The 15 year contract, which has a potential contract value in excess of $150million USD over the term of the contract, although recent forecast suggest this could be achieved far sooner, is to provide comprehensive ground security operations at an international airport in West Africa.
Following a two month pre-deployment period Westminster commenced full operations on 1st May. The transition took place smoothly and professionally with no issues and no disruptions. Westminster have deployed a new experienced management team and have taken on all 106 existing men and women security officers at the airport and is providing further security training for all staff to international aviation standards. In addition Westminster is deploying a wide range of detection and surveillance equipment to upgrade safety and security throughout the airport.
Commenting on the commencement of operations Peter Fowler, Chief Executive of Westminster Group, said:
"I am delighted to be able to announce that we successfully commenced live operations on our major African airport project at midnight on 30th April and the changeover has gone very well indeed!
"The Westminster team deployed in country for the pre-deployment phase of the project have worked extremely hard preparing for commencement of live operations, working late into the evenings to get the final touches in place, resulting in a very smooth and professional handover.
"On our first day of operations we had transformed the airport with new CCTV in operation, new security signage everywhere, staff redeployed and new control procedures in place. We have also deployed a new ‘Dog Squad’ with substance detection dogs patrolling the airport capable of detecting explosives and drugs etc which will be most effective.
"We have now processed our first few flights through the airport commencing revenue generation and significantly the airlines concerned have congratulated our team on the noticeable differences.
"We have also been informed that the government and airport authorities are extremely pleased with the changeover and have commented that this was the smoothest handover on any of their privatisation programmes. The Aviation Minister has also passed on his congratulations to Westminster for carrying out such a professional changeover!
"Over the coming months we will be providing further security enhancements to the airport including a new perimeter fencing and surveillance system and crucially new cargo scanning systems which will lead to additional revenue generation."
Further details on Westminster’s Airports and Aviation security solutions may be found here http://www.wi-ltd.com/Solutions_by_Sector/Airports_and_Aviation