Redline Assured Security, a leading provider of government-standard training and security solutions, has been selected by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to undertake the certification and Quality Assurance (QA) of Free Running Explosive Detection Dogs (FREDDs) within the UK.

FREDDs are, at present, used in the air cargo sector and are specially trained to act as part of cargo screening methods to check air cargo and freight for a variety of explosive materials and potential threats. Their use is expected to expand to wider areas of aviation security in the future.

Free Running Explosive Detection Dogs have been permitted as a screening method for use in the UK aviation security sector since 2017. Working as a certified team with their human handlers, complimenting existing screening methods, FREDDs offers a secure and effective capability to screen large volumes of air cargo. Each FREDD undergoes rigorous training to achieve stringent government certification before being eligible for deployment in the cargo sheds. Throughout their operational duties they go through a regular quality assurance programme

Redline has been selected to work in partnership with the CAA, initially for two years, to certify and Quality Assure existing FREDD providers and others looking to enter the market as the availability and use of FREDDs increases. The contract was awarded after regulatory responsibility transferred from the Department for Transportation (DfT) to the CAA, with Redline assuming responsibility from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) who have provided certification and QA services to date.

Redline is part of the Safety & Security division of Air Partner Plc, a global aviation services group with over six decades of experience providing aircraft charter and over 13 years providing aviation safety and security solutions to industry, commerce, governments and private individuals across civil and military organisations.

“Redline has a proven pedigree in Quality Assurance, spanning aviation and critical national infrastructure, combined with unparalleled expertise in aviation security training and compliance,” says Craig Harrison, Managing Director of Redline. “The award of the contract to provide certification and QA of FREDDs is the dawn of a new offering, building upon the span of professional services for which Redline is renowned.”

For more information on Redline’s ongoing commitment to providing government-level training, quality assurance and consultancy across the security sector, visit https://www.trustredline.co.uk/