Editor

Ian Sheppard

MedAire (Booth U33) has developed a comprehensive travel safety briefing for operators travelling to Russia for the FIFA World Cup over the next two months. The briefing provides an overview of the health and security of the host cities, aviation and airport overviews, and risk ratings from a health and security perspective, as well as other relevant and helpful travel information such vaccine, visa, entry, and exit requirements.

 


In general, it advises that travel to medium-risk areas can continue with standard security precautions, except for the North Caucasus republics of Chechnya and North Ossetia. “Travel to Chechnya and North Ossetia is possible but requires enhanced security precautions,” the briefing notes. The report goes on to advise travelers to avoid non-essential travel to Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, and Karachaevo-Cherkessia. “No travel should be undertaken to Dagestan,” it adds.

 


“This travel safety briefing is a good example of the types of reports we do for our operators to help with risk mitigation and preplanning before a trip,” said Jason Nygren, global security manager and author of the report. “Our team of aviation security experts are monitoring and analyzing information, helping clients to assess risks, and are available to assist on the ground through a network of more than 2,300 security specialists through our worldwide network.”

 


MedAire, a unit of International SOS and partner with Control Risks, has also issued a white paper on the risks of artificial intelligence (AI) in data gathering. John Cauthen, MedAire global director of aviation security, said MedAire can provide insight into the “advances and limitations of AI in the aviation market and recommends that the best approach is two-pronged, with a focus on both advanced preparation and robust contingency planning.

 


“The ability to scan and assimilate the useful data from the huge volumes of noise generated from information platforms on a daily basis and then to confidently analyze, assess, and advise a client is the mark of a mature and professional security operation," he said.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.