Aviation

ASERO offers unmatched expertise in aviation security, backed by a holistic team with hundreds of years of combined experience. Our consultants are at the forefront of innovation, shaping the evolution of aviation security by designing and enhancing custom solutions for governments, major airlines, and world-class airports worldwide. Trusted by airports around the globe, we provide expert consultation to government agencies, leading airlines, and international first-class airports.

From airport security planning and TVRAs to passenger screening, cyber protection, red teaming, and compliance with international aviation standards, ASERO delivers end-to-end solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client.

Expertise & Key Projects

AIRPORT SECURITY PLANNING AND DESIGN

Working hand-in-hand with project engineers and architects in airports throughout the world, ASERO has ensured that necessary security components have been introduced during initial construction stages in the most seamless and cost efficient manner possible. Amalgamating security plans and requirements into early airport design, ASERO is able to balance security guidelines with other key airport objectives including, but not limited to, a welcoming appearance, maintaining optimal levels of passenger service and appearance, creating a commercial environment and ensuring passenger safety, among others.

Projects:

Delta

ASERO advised Delta on security planning for major airport projects including LaGuardia (LGA), Salt Lake City (SLC), and Los Angeles (LAX).

Scope included:

  • Threat, vulnerability, and risk assessments (TVRAs)
  • Security design planning
  • SOP development
  • Support during construction and implementation

LAX: Delta is relocating from Terminals 5/6 to 2/3 in a $1.9B upgrade, with completion targeted for 2023.

LGA: Delta is replacing Terminals C and D in a $4B project, allowing early integration of security features despite space constraints.

SLC: A near-total rebuild enables ASERO to integrate security early into a $1.8B terminal project, with an extra $800M allocated for a second concourse.

Montréal (Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport)

ASERO consulted on retrofitting projects including new road access, an underground REM station, and a new intermodal transport hall.

Scope included:

  • Developing threat criteria
  • On-site assessments of layouts and stakeholder needs
  • Security masterplan design covering terminals, parking, transit links, and pedestrian zones

Changi (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 4)

ASERO ensured critical security systems were built into the early phases of Terminal 4 construction, including screening checkpoint placement and technology deployment.

Terminal 4, opened in 2018, handles up to 16 million passengers annually. In 2019, Changi served over 68 million passengers.

Budapest

ASERO created a Security Master Plan for Budapest Airport’s Terminal 3 and retrofitting projects.

Scope included:

  • TVRAs to assess threat levels and potential impacts
  • Recommendations based on risk matrices, compliance standards, and best practices
  • Planning for cybersecurity, construction-phase security, and protection of critical assets

PASSENGER AND CARGO FACILITATION AND FLOW

ASERO specializes in the development of comprehensive airport designs which focus on optimizing flow in a time and cost-efficient manner while maintaining high levels of security.

projects:

Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and Changi Airport Group (CAG)

Conceptualization of a Next Generation Passenger Checkpoint Model (NGPCM)

ASERO conceptualized a Next Generation Passenger Checkpoint Model (NGPCM) for future Changi Airport terminals, covering all passenger processing flows—processes, infrastructure, technologies, systems, and manpower.

Scope included:

  • Designing the NGPCM for new/future terminals
  • Reviewing current checkpoint models considering evolving user needs, regulations, technologies, and resource constraints
  • Conducting international benchmarking to adapt global best practices

Configuration of Cargo Sites and Facilities for Singapore Changi Airport

ASERO developed optimized access control and screening models for Changi’s new cargo center.

Scope included:

  • Designing three access and checkpoint layout options for cargo park entry/exit
  • Proposing phased implementation plans for access control and risk-based supply chain security

Confidential (Client Request)

ASERO reviewed arrival screening at a major global airport to enhance security, efficiency, and passenger experience.

Scope included:

  • On-site assessment and stakeholder consultations
  • Benchmarking against global airport and border control practices
  • Recommending alternative screening concepts

PASSENGER, BAGGAGE AND CARGO SCREENING

ASERO has developed national scale systems and solutions aimed at optimizing passenger, baggage and cargo screening in a risk based manner which best utilizes existing resources and takes into consideration passenger facilitation and time constraints, among other factors.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Singapore

Threat Oriented Passenger Screening Integrated System (TOPSIS™)

ASERO developed TOPSIS™, a threat-based screening system now used across Terminals 1–4 at Changi Airport. Designed over two years to suit Singapore’s unique environment, TOPSIS enhances security by identifying early threat indicators.

Scope included:

  • On-site data gathering and operational reviews
  • Domain-specific threat criteria and ‘tell-tale indicators’ (TTIs)
  • Custom training programs and red teaming exercises
  • Technology analysis and quality assurance framework

Transportation Security Administration (TSA), United States

ASERO developed a risk-based air cargo screening system enabling TSA and inspectors to focus on high-threat cargo.

Key deliverables:

  • Custom cargo rating system using TTIs
  • Integration into current TSA frameworks
  • Training for over 1,000 TSIs
  • Scenario-based testing for real-world applicability

Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)

ASERO created the Passenger Behavioral Observation (PBO) Program to identify passengers with potential malicious intent using cognitive screening methods.

The program included:

  • Data collection, concept design, and pilot implementation
  • Recruitment and advanced training
  • Quality assurance measures

Piloted for six months at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), the PBO improved security without disrupting passenger flow.

Confidential (Client Request)

ASERO designed a solution to verify identities of select transit/transfer passengers at a major global hub, balancing security with minimal disruption to operations and passenger experience.

 

TECHNOLOGY DEPLOYMENT

ASERO is a leader in the formulation of technology-based solutions and in the provision of recommendations with respect to procurement and deployment of advanced technologies for the aviation environment.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Singapore

ASERO developed a methodology and technology fusion for tagging and identifying higher-risk passengers at Changi Airport, supporting automated and dynamic processes across terminals.

Work included site visits, technology evaluations, and recommendations for effectively using advanced systems to flag individuals for enhanced screening.

Ministry of Transport (MOT), Singapore

ASERO reviewed existing aviation security technologies and designed a methodology to identify the most suitable systems for enhancing aviation security.

The four-stage study included:

  • Review and comparison of current technologies
  • Analysis of explosive impacts on in-flight aircraft
  • Development of technology recommendations
  • Submission of a final report summarizing findings

RISK MANAGEMENT

ASERO offers unparalleled expertise in conducting comprehensive threat, vulnerability and risk assessments (TVRAs) for airports in accordance with our tailor made and proven model as well as in designing and implementing security solutions for the aviation domain based on the results of comprehensive threat, vulnerability and risk assessments (TVRA) for public and private sector clients throughout the world.

Delta Air Lines

TVRA – Domestic Stations

ASERO conducted TVRAs at four Delta domestic stations, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, assessing threats to public-facing Delta operations (curbside, check-in), identifying vulnerabilities, and recommending risk mitigation. On-site visits, staff interviews, and a final report were delivered.

TVRA – Overseas Stations

ASERO assessed international Delta stations (e.g., Heathrow, Schiphol, Incheon, Bangkok), providing airport-specific threat statements, risk scoring, blast analysis, and short-term recommendations based on site visits and diverse threat environments.

Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)

ASERO performed TVRAs at Canada’s Class 1 airports (e.g., YVR, YOW, YUL), identifying threats and compliance gaps under CASR. Work included site visits, interviews, and assessments of SOPs, training, infrastructure, physical and information security, catering, and cargo services.

Changi Airport Group (CAG) – Galeo Int’l Airport, Brazil

Ahead of the 2016 Olympics, ASERO assessed Galeo Airport’s security for CAG, covering SOPs, screening, cyber/IT, infrastructure, and cargo, delivering a roadmap for Annex 17 compliance and enhanced security.

Airports in Equatorial Guinea, Africa

ASERO assessed four airports aiming for TSA certification. Deliverables included vulnerability findings, compliance roadmap, org charts, training plans, and technology cost estimates to meet international standards.

Changi Airport Group (CAG) – Fuel Farm, Singapore

ASERO conducted a TVRA on Changi’s fuel farm, including a blast effect analysis. Recommendations addressed physical hardening, increased standoff, and SOP enhancements—many adopted for future facility desins.

Lublin Airport

ASERO performed a TVRA aligned with national/international regulations, evaluating current threats and recommending integration of updated security measures into airport operations.

CYBERSECURITY

ASERO offers a wide range of cyber security consulting services aimed at assisting clients in securing their digital information assets. ASERO’s proven methods and technologies are key components of our successful risk-management strategy.

Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)

ASERO led a project to assess the cybersecurity posture of Singapore’s aviation ecosystem, mapping interdependencies and vulnerabilities.

Scope included:

  • Stakeholder engagement with CIIOs and operators
  • Cyberattack scenario workshops
  • Risk mitigation measures and a high-level remediation roadmap

Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)

ASERO conducted a cybersecurity audit and risk assessment for Ottawa International Airport, in line with Transport Canada regulations.

Work included:

  • Security control and network configuration reviews
  • Internal/external vulnerability scans
  • Identification of 8 threat scenarios
  • Prioritized risk mitigation recommendations

TRAINING

ASERO provides courses and custom-made training programs on a broad range of relevant topics for Homeland Security, cyber security and risk management designed to increase operational efficiency, improve performance, maximize security and protection, encourage knowledge transfer and mitigate risk. ASERO has designed and carried out numerous seminars, workshops and courses for private and public sector clients throughout the world including the United States, Canada, France, Germany and Singapore among others.

TSA (United States):

Developed and delivered a week-long training for Transportation Security Inspectors (TSIs) on risk-based screening of inbound air cargo, including lectures, demos, and field exercises.

MWAA (United States):

Led a four-day seminar on aviation threat recognition and mitigation for security officials, featuring case studies and a tabletop exercise.

Netherlands:

Conducted a three-day Airport Protect Seminar covering evolving threats, active shooter mitigation, behavior pattern recognition, and airport hardening.

Garda (Canada):

Provided operational preparedness training for Class 1 and 2 airport personnel in central Canada.

Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (Canada):

Delivered a three-day seminar on airport security and behavioral/adversary recognition for law enforcement and security staff.

Canada:

Multiple Agencies: Ran seminars for Quebec Police, Vancouver Airport Authority, CATSA, and RCMP on topics such as terrorist threat mitigation, red teaming, suspect identification, and behavioral pattern recognition.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

ASERO emphasizes the development and implementation of a robust quality assurance program as a pivotal means by which to ensure optimal return on investment in airport or aviation initiatives.

Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)

ASERO supported a five-year project for Class 1 and 2 airports in Canada’s central region, delivering consulting on personnel deployment, screening procedures, and implementing a QA regime including red teaming and large-scale audits. Tailor-made training focused on threat awareness and daily operations.

Agency-Wide Overhaul:

ASERO assessed and recalibrated CATSA’s SOPs, QA, and training programs nationwide, issuing recommendations to align threat detection standards across all Canadian airports.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Singapore

ASERO conducted three large-scale Validation of TOPSIS (VET) exercises at Changi Airport to assess SOP deployment in routine and emergency scenarios. Exercises included real-time drills and tabletop simulations at airport, land, and maritime checkpoints.

VET scenarios tested untried threats, demonstrating high readiness and awareness among participants, including senior officials from all transport domains.

 


HOW MAY WE ADVISE YOU

Threat, vulnerability and risk assessments (TVRA)

Security by Design for airports and aviation facilities

IT and cyber infrastructure protections for airports

Airport operations and processes

Passenger and baggage screening

Aviation manpower deployment

Standard operating procedures (SOPs)

Technology development and deployment

Quality assurance