ABSTRACT
The destruction of Pan Am 103 in British airspace re-energised British aviation security activity. Creditable efforts were made by both the British government and the British civil aviation industry. There were advances in political direction, administrative system, security standards and in security consciousness. The security of British aircraft overseas is dependent upon other states meeting their responsibilities. HMG has not taken a holistic view of aviation security. Government unwillingness to contribute to the industry’s costs underlies its failure to develop a constructive partnership with industry. Nonetheless Great Britain can reasonably claim to have led the world in the pursuit of higher aviation security standards.
