Dubai-based ground handler, dnata, has secured RA3 certification for its ramp services at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. RA3, short for ‘Third Country EU Aviation Security Validated Regulated Agents’, is a supply-chain security initiative of the European Union related to ACC3. ACC3 is short for ‘Air Cargo or Mail Carrier operating into the Union from a Third Country Airport’. Dnata is one of the first ramp operations providers in the country to receive the RA3 certification. Crucially, It also means that carriers uplifting cargo from dnata’s facilities in Manila do not need to have ACC3 validation for their operations there.
The certification – granted by EU-approved, independent validators – confirms the procedures dnata implements are compliant with EU-requirements. RA3 certification ensures the smooth transport of cargo to EU destinations, improving efficiency and the flow of goods from Manila and the rest of the Philippines.
“Last year dnata supported the transport of more than 11,000 tonnes of cargo. With the RA3 certification, our customers can be confident their goods will arrive smoothly and securely at destinations throughout Europe,” said Margaret Yu, general manager, dnata’s operations in the Philippines. “We work closely with our partners in Manila to ensure our services meet and exceed international standards.”
With the RA3 certification, EU-member states recognise dnata’s operations in Manila as a regulated agent and security controls applied on its ramp services are of a standard acceptable to EU authorities. For customers it means goods travelling to EU states are considered secure and will have fewer troubles reaching its final destinations.
The RA3 certification complements the global air cargo industry’s drive to meet the European Union’s ACC3 requirements—the final phase of which went into effect on 1 July 2014. In addition to its ramp services in Manila, dnata’s cargo facilities at Dubai International, Dubai World Central, Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi are also RA3 certified.
