Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) now has a group of volunteers assisting to keep our airport safe and secure – the Halifax Airport Watch (HAW).
HAW is made up of aviation enthusiasts who’ve teamed up with HIAA Security. HAW members participate in their hobby of watching aircraft and airport activity, while keeping a look out for any security or safety concerns to report to HIAA Security.
HAW volunteers can often be found along the perimeter of the airport, specifically on Old Guysborough Road, observing aircraft. Members do more than just monitor aircraft activity, they may be among the first people to spot suspicious activity, damage to the perimeter fencing, wildlife or foreign object debris (FOD) on the airfield – all of which pose potential security and safety hazards and need to be reported to airport security.
“The Halifax Airport Watch is a terrific initiative that brings aviation enthusiasts into our airport community,” says Alan Carragher, HIAA security manager. “The members are extremely familiar with our airport and our operations. They’re now extra eyes and ears outside the perimeter fence who contribute to keeping our airport safe.”
HAW is an extension of Halifax Stanfield’s iWatch program, an airport community security program designed to increase security awareness and to encourage the reporting of suspicious activity to airport security.
HAW currently has 10 members who have all been screened through police checks. The group meets formally a few times per year.
