Selahattin Bilgen, Acting CEO of IGA, announced that they have positioned Istanbul Airport as a global training center.
According to the statement from IGA, in collaboration with the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA), security personnel from countries in Central Asia and the Middle East received training at Istanbul Airport. As a result, the airport has become a regional center in the field of aviation security.
Last year, 67 airport security personnel from countries such as Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan benefited from the training programs conducted within the IGA Academy under the supervision of IGA Security Directorate, as part of TSA's program.
This year, it is expected that more than 400 security officers from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Yemen, Jordan, Morocco, and Kuwait will undergo training. Additionally, starting from April 2024, training is targeted to be provided at over ten airports under the authority of TSA, including countries such as Egypt, Iraq, and Oman.
The coordination of training on technologies and usage of security system devices, as well as practical content for managers at control points, is conducted within the IGA Academy. The design, delivery, and practical applications of the training content are carried out by competent instructors in the IGA Security Directorate.
Leadership training includes exemplary leaders and utilizes interactive training methods. After completing the 5-day training sessions per group, certificates are awarded by accredited institutions such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the Airports Council International (ACI).
The training not only covers security practices but also aims to strengthen women's leadership and personal development within security teams. This year, the goal is to increase the participation of female personnel from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in these trainings and expand the number of personnel.
Commenting on the success of Istanbul Airport in aviation training, Selahattin Bilgen, Acting CEO of IGA, emphasized that this achievement has not only a regional but also an international impact. He stated that positioning Istanbul Airport as a global training center aims to establish the highest standards in aviation security, ensuring the safety of passengers and airport employees at the highest level. Bilgen also highlighted that the collaboration with TSA serves as an example for regional airports and demonstrates the airport's brand and leadership in the field of aviation security training.