In the aviation sector, safety is paramount — but security is what enables operations to run smoothly and confidently. Whether you’re managing a regional airport, an airside facility, or a council-operated airstrip, you’re responsible for ensuring your environment is protected from a range of evolving threats — and that it complies with strict federal legislation.
This is where a trusted aviation security consultant in Perth becomes invaluable. At Smartsec Security Solutions, we help airport operators and aviation-adjacent organisations across WA improve their security posture through tailored risk assessments, planning support, policy reviews, and technical consulting — all aligned with the relevant Australian legislation and standards.
In this article, we’ll explain the key components of aviation security, what a risk assessment involves, and how we help clients across Perth and regional WA maintain compliance, reduce risk, and plan for the future.
What Is Aviation Security?
Aviation security encompasses the strategies, infrastructure, and procedures used to protect passengers, staff, assets, and airside operations from unlawful interference. It is a specialised field governed by national legislation and overseen by the Department of Home Affairs.
Security in aviation involves:
- Protecting access-controlled zones (e.g., airside areas, terminals)
- Managing personnel, contractor, and visitor access
- Mitigating threats such as sabotage, terrorism, or unauthorised entry
- Ensuring CCTV, lighting, alarms, and monitoring meet required standards
- Conducting security drills and maintaining audit-ready documentation
- Complying with a site’s Transport Security Program (TSP)
Whether your airport services RPT flights or operates charter-only, your security obligations must be addressed through a structured, risk-based approach.
Why Aviation Security Risk Assessments Are Essential
Risk assessments aren’t just a procedural requirement — they’re a vital step in helping you:
- Understand your vulnerabilities
- Prioritise improvements based on real risk
- Avoid non-compliance with the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004
- Strengthen your TSP
- Support infrastructure upgrades with documented need
- Improve operational resilience
- Demonstrate due diligence in case of incident or audit
At Smartsec, we conduct aviation risk assessments using the ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management Framework, and align all findings with your specific regulatory obligations and site context.
What’s Included in an Aviation Security Risk Assessment?
Our assessments are tailored to each client and site. A typical engagement includes:
Threat and Vulnerability Identification
We identify both external and internal threats, ranging from terrorism and sabotage to localised issues such as trespass or theft. We also review:
- Access points (landside and airside)
- Perimeter fencing and gates
- Screening procedures
- Lighting and visibility
- Contractor and visitor management
- Staff access control
- Unattended asset risks (e.g., hangars, fuel stores)
System and Procedure Review
We assess the effectiveness of your current security systems and procedures, including:
- CCTV coverage and placement (AS 4806.1)
- Access control systems (AS/NZS 4806 series)
- Alarm and detection systems
- Lighting levels (AS/NZS 1158)
- Monitoring centres or control rooms (AS 2201.2)
- Reporting and escalation procedures
Risk Rating and Compliance Mapping
Using ISO 31000, we assign each risk a likelihood and consequence rating, mapped against:
- Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005
- Your existing TSP and operational guidelines
- Relevant Australian Standards (CCTV, HVM, access control, lighting)
You receive a clear matrix of priorities, so you know what actions to take — and in what order.
Practical, Site-Specific Recommendations
Our recommendations are always tailored and vendor-neutral. These may include:
- Upgrades to technology (CCTV, access, alarms)
- Procedural improvements (staff access policies, shift protocols)
- Lighting enhancements for apron or terminal zones
- Bollard placement aligned with ISO 22343-1 for HVM
- CPTED strategies to reduce unauthorised loitering or access
- Communication improvements between staff, security, and operations
- Documentation adjustments to strengthen audit readiness
How Else Can We Help with Aviation Security?
At Smartsec Security Solutions, we go beyond just risk assessments. We can also support your airport or aviation facility in the following ways:
TSP Input and Security Planning
Need support developing or reviewing your Transport Security Program? We help operators align their documentation with national regulations and embed practical procedures that match real-world operations.
CPTED Advice for Terminals and Precincts
We apply Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to terminal designs, car parks, and public-facing areas — reducing crime opportunity and improving perception of safety.
HVM and Bollard Strategy
Where crowd gatherings, pedestrian access, or vehicle interfaces are present, we provide Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) advice aligned with ISO 22343-1:2023, ensuring correct bollard types and spacing for the risk environment.
Control Room and Monitoring Reviews
We assess the design and effectiveness of control rooms and remote monitoring setups in accordance with AS 2201.2, ensuring compliance with response times, redundancy, and monitoring integrity.
Grant Support and Upgrade Justification
Looking to apply for funding to upgrade your security systems? Our assessments and documentation can support capital works planning or grant applications with evidence-based justifications.
Who We Support
We can work with a range of aviation-related clients across WA, including:
- Regional airports and aerodromes
- Local government–operated facilities
- Charter-only aviation operations
- Infrastructure projects involving airside zones
- Security contractors and FM providers in aviation contexts
- Developers planning terminal or precinct upgrades
Why Choose Smartsec Security Solutions?
We are a Perth-based independent consulting firm, with over 17 years of experience delivering security risk reviews, CPTED audits, and compliance advice across high-risk and regulated environments.
We do not sell, install, or monitor security systems. This means every recommendation we make is 100% independent, standards-aligned, and focused on your risk profile — not on product sales.
What you can expect:
- ISO 31000 and regulatory alignment
- Practical, readable reports
- Aviation-specific insight with local context
- Confidentiality and professional delivery
- Experience working with both government and commercial aviation sites
Ready to Strengthen Your Aviation Security?
If you’re operating an airport or aviation facility in Western Australia and need clarity around risk, compliance, and planning — we’re ready to help. Smartsec Security Solutions provides independent, professional aviation security advice that protects your people, assets, and operations.
Contact us today to book a consultation or learn more about how we can support your airport, project, or terminal through smart aviation security consulting.
