KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, CMC – The Argyle International Airport (AIA) Friday said it is now authorized to process and export cargo directly to the United Kingdom through approved airlines, without the need for transshipment or additional screening at intermediary airports.
In a joint statement with the British High Commission here, the AIA said it is now RA3-certified for the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU).
RA3 stands for Regulated Agent – Third Country, and the certification refers to the designation of a regulated agent in a third country under the UK aviation security regulations.
“This certification means that fresh produce, fresh flowers, and agricultural produce can now be exported via air directly to the United Kingdom without having to go through a third-party country,” said Geoffrey Patton, the resident British High Commissioner.
He said that this would help improve trading relations between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the United Kingdom.
AIA chief executive officer, Josette Greaves, said the certification signifies that AIA has met all the required aviation security standards of the UK and the EU for the screening, handling, and transportation of cargo destined for those regions.
“As an RA3 approved facility, AIA is now authorized to process and export cargo directly to the United Kingdom through approved airlines, without the need for transshipment or additional screening at intermediary airports,” Greaves said, thanking the independent validator, Brian Abbott of World AVSEC, for the work done to get the certification.
She also appealed to the AIA staff, passengers, and other stakeholders to consistently uphold high security standards at the passenger terminal building and the cargo facility.
“The AIA conducts security screening in a particular manner not to inconvenience or make it uncomfortable for travelers or people conducting business but to ensure they can accomplish milestones such as a RA3 certification and, more importantly, that everyone remains safe,” according to the statement.
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