Can the civil aviation industry learn from terrorist attacks carried out on the ground? This presentation compares the 2012 Bangkok explosions with the 1988 Pan Am flight 103 attack to expose possible vulnerabilities in today's aircraft and airport security measures. Have a look through our research and let us know what you think. For more information about us, please visit: http://www.iata.org/training-security

2.  A handful of bombs were detonated as part of a larger
but failed bomb plot.
 Similar bombs were set off in India and Georgia during
the same week.
 Injuries caused by the explosions were minimal, and
three suspects were eventually arrested.

3. Should the aviation industry
take notice?
Even though these attacks took place on the ground
in busy city streets, much of the tactics and
technology used can be easily reproduced and
difficult to detect.
Learn more about the bombs used in Bangkok
and let us know what you think.

4.  Each bomb was
assembled within the
body of a regular
household radio,
using commonplace
materials.
 5mm metal bearings
were added to cause
greater casualties.
This is a reconstruction of the bombs used in the
Bangkok explosions. All rights reserved.

5.  PETN, a military
explosive, is believed
to be used for the
main charge.
 The detonator was
standard aluminum.
 Magnets were used to
attach the bombs to
This is a reconstruction of the bombs used in the their intended targets.
Bangkok explosions. All rights reserved.

6.  Standard X-ray images reveal a
complex structure. Still, metal
fragments can be clearly seen.

7.  Metal fragments are still visible
though may not be used in an
attack on an aircraft.

8. Yes. In 1988, the same explosive device caused 270
casualties on Pan Am Flight 103.
 The device was concealed in a similar radio receiver.
 It was carried onto the aircraft in a piece of checked
luggage.
 About 2 months before the Flight 103 attack, police found
similar IEDs in an apartment in Germany. This
intelligence was unfortunately not communicated to
potential targets.

9. Despite this IED’s well-documented history, it could still be
used to attack an aviation target:
 Modern detection technology still has difficulty exposing
explosive materials concealed in electronic devices.
 Magnets might allow attackers to exploit a known
vulnerability point - the aircraft perimeter – and attach an
IED to an aircraft body.
 Airport staff generally receive minimal security screening.
Little prevents wrong-doers from using staff credentials to
access an aircraft.

10.  All vulnerable areas of an aircraft should be secured -
especially external surfaces.
 Aircraft perimeter security should require all staff with
airside access to be screened, monitored.
 Screeners, crew and other airport staff should be
informed of the latest screening techniques to improve
effectiveness at all checkpoints.

11. www.iata.org/training-security