Aircraft operators of prescribed air services must have, and comply with, a transport security program (TSP) to operate into, over or within Australia. This is required under the
Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 (ATSA).
It is an offence for a prescribed air service to operate into, over or within Australia without an approved transport security program.
Prescribed air services
There are a wide range of air services that must hold a TSP. These include any open and closed charter services, and all-cargo air services. Prescribed air services include aircraft that:
- undertake regular public transport operations
- use a jet
- have a certified maximum take-off weight over 5,700 kilograms.
Transport security programs
A TSP contains information about the aircraft operator, including a security risk assessment relative to their operations. The TSP also sets out security measures and procedures required to safeguard aviation from unlawful interference. The content requirements of a TSP for the operator of a prescribed air service are set out in division 2.3 of the
Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005.
Australia does not currently recognise aircraft operator security programs issued by other countries. Air services that depart from last ports of call outside Australia must:
- take into account the relevant features of their operations
- have developed an integrated, responsible and proactive approach to managing aviation security.
Airlines operating international air services generally operate under an
air service agreement or arrangement. Airlines registered in or operating from countries or economies that do not have an agreement/arrangement in place may not be approved to operate into, over or within Australia.
Screened air services
An air service that operates open charter or a regular public transport operation must be aviation security screened if it:
- uses aircraft with a seating capacity of 40 or more persons
- operates from an Australian designated, tier 1 or tier 2 security controlled airport
- uses any aircraft departing from the same apron as a screened air service operating at a designated airport.
Lodging a transport security program
For more information, visit our page about how to lodge a transport security program in Transport security obligations. TSP assessments are subject to a statutory consideration period of 60 days. Prescribed air service operators are advised to submit their application at least 60 days prior to the commencement of air services into, over or within Australia.
Other requirements
For more information on national regulations and requirements for the authorisation of air services to operate into, within or over Australia, refer to the
Aeronautical Information Package.
