Israeli Airlines Conduct Independent Pilot Background Checks Amid Security Concerns
Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba
Israeli airlines have begun independent background checks on pilots of leased aircraft following a near-terrorist incident on a Flydubai flight. A cybersecurity firm is vetting 2,500 foreign crew members, scanning their social media activity. This proactive measure aims to enhance passenger safety on chartered flights, which are not under direct Israeli security supervision. Meanwhile, Flydubai has requested to resume flights to Israel after reporting the conclusion of its internal investigation and staff dismissals.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli airlines are conducting independent background checks on pilots of leased aircraft.
- A cybersecurity firm is screening 2,500 foreign pilots and flight attendants' social media.
- The checks are a response to a near-terrorist incident on a Flydubai flight.
- Flydubai has requested to resume flights to Israel after its internal investigation.
- Arkia uses chartered planes for about half its flights, Israir for 40%, and Sundor for 5%.
Israeli airlines are proactively initiating background checks on pilots operating leased aircraft, without waiting for the final conclusions of the investigation into a near-terrorist attack on a Flydubai flight. One airline has hired an Israeli cybersecurity firm to vet foreign crew members on chartered flights. This firm has already screened the social media content and statements of 2,500 pilots and flight attendants.
The security lapse that nearly caused a disaster has alarmed intelligence communities in Israel and globally, prompting a need for preventative measures. Israeli companies are taking independent steps to ensure passenger safety on chartered flights, rather than awaiting directives from the Shin Bet, Mossad, and the Ministry of Transport.
Chartered flights involve airlines selling tickets for flights operated by foreign companies with foreign crews, who are not under Shin Bet security oversight. Arkia utilizes chartered planes for about half of its flights, Israir for approximately 40%, and Sundor, a subsidiary of El Al, for about 5% of its operations.
Separately, Flydubai requested permission from Minister of Transport Yari Reggev to resume flights to Israel. This request follows Flydubai's report to Israel that its internal investigation into the near-attack incident has concluded, identifying all failure points and resulting in the dismissal of a significant number of employees involved in the security breach. Senior Ministry of Transport officials are scheduled to visit Dubai next week, though Reggev and Civil Aviation Authority head Shmulik Zechai have yet to approve Flydubai's request.
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