Safety is the predominant thought in every professional pilot's mind whilst he undertakes his/her duties. As Flight Crew sit at the very heart of the operation, then it is also vital for the wellbeing of our companies' fortunes that we also consider many other aspects, such as commercial and customer service requirements; but safety will always reign supreme.

Effective aviation security is a pre-requisite for a safe flight. Therefore, all the changes made to the aviation security regime across the world, which are an effective response to the growth in the threat from terrorism, are also welcome by all professional pilots.

ECA represents the lion's share of professional pilots across our continent, and has been very active in working with all other stakeholders and the European Commission to ensure the highest possible standards of security. The Stakeholders' Advisory Group for Aviation Security has been an effective aid to the thought processes needed to ensure that all measures are indeed effective.

The recently identified new threats from liquid explosives are a case in point - we applaud the security and intelligence services for identifying the threat before it was first used against our (or any other) industry. It was very reassuring for all professional pilots to see the quick and positive response, once the new threat was identified. We would urge that now the initial response has been put in place, the usual deep thought and consultation processes are undertaken to identify and enact the most effective and efficient long term measures to continue to defeat those who would attack us.

ECA is calling for the Authorities to see the professional pilot as a strong ally in this fight. We are at risk - we are not the threat - we are part of the solution. If the police services, customs officers, engineers and even builders in the terminal can be checked and then trusted to bring airside items which are necessary for their work and wellbeing, but normally restricted for passengers - then so can we. We want to see aviation security enabling safe, hassle free commercial aviation; we want to see our companies strong and financially robust; but most of all we are willing, able and ready to help make both those aims a reality.