AVSECO Canine Unit Further Enhances Security at HKIA

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) recently welcomed some new members to its security team, with an AVSECO Canine Unit (ACU) established by the Aviation Security Company Limited (AVSECO) in January 2021 to further enhance the airport security level. The sniffer detection canines of the ACU help patrol the non-restricted area of HKIA and detect explosives, firearms and ammunition. While they are off duty they will also assume the role of ambassadors to welcome travellers at the airport.

At the initial stage ACU consists of 10 canines from the Netherlands and Belgium. The first batch of three canines and their handlers have already been deployed at Terminal 1 after completion of training. They are:
Hugo, Labrador Retriever from the Netherlands. He is gentle, obedient, attentive and loves hanging out with people;
Kobe, Springer Spaniel from the Netherlands. He is energetic, proactive, hardworking and has a strong sniff sense;
Issac, Springer Spaniel from the Netherlands. Energetic and with a strong sniff sense, he partners seamlessly with his handler.

Other seven members include three Labrador Retrievers from the Netherlands and four Brittany Spaniels from Belgium.

All ACU canines are led by their respective dedicated handlers recruited by AVSECO through internal deployment or open recruitment. The canines and their handlers have to undergo 12 weeks of intensive training on obedience, explosives detection, canines care, and more. They are also required to undergo regular training and assessments in order to perform duties at HKIA.

Steven Yiu, Deputy Director, Airport Operations, Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA), said, “HKIA is a core infrastructure and the window connecting Hong Kong to the world. Airport security is our foremost priority. Airports around the globe have been implementing various measures to enhance the security at non-restricted area in accordance with ICAO directives. The deployment of ACU is a flexible arrangement that helps maintain a smooth departure experience for travellers, while enhancing safety for travellers and other airport users at the same time.”

To support the ACU, the AA developed a new two-storey kennel at the airport’s restricted area, which officially opened on 13 July. The kennel houses individual resting blocks, grooming facilities and indoor training site for canines’ daily living and training. It is modelled after the design of working dog kennels of the local disciplined forces and overseas best practices. The AA has also made available a 2,400 sqm outdoor training site near Scenic Road for canines’ agility and physical training.

ACU performs shift duties at HKIA. Each canine and its handler will be on duty for nine hours a day, including patrol for four hours, training, grooming, feeding and exercise. To ensure the well-being of the canines and achieve the best efficiency, they will take a 30-minute break after patrolling for 30 minutes.

The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) have been providing support to the establishment of the ACU in various aspects, including selecting canines, designing the kennel and related facilities, providing training for canines and handlers. AVSECO, HKPF and C&ED signed a tripartite cooperation protocol earlier that involves sharing of knowledge, use of canine facilities, conducting joint exercises as well as trainings and operations. AVSECO has also signed an agreement with CityU Veterinary Medical Centre for the latter to provide veterinary and regular body check services for the canines.

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