Cargo
Air Cargo Security
Air Cargo Security (ACS) Program Changes
Transport Canada is changing how the airlines process cargo being shipped on flights where passengers are security screened. Please read the following information on how these changes may affect you, our valued First Air customer:
Key changes to how cargo is being shipped – what you need to know:
- Effective December 31, 2012
- This is a Transport Canada Air Cargo Security (ACS) Program change
- Applicable on flights departing a CATSA designated Canadian airport where passengers are security screened
- First Air CATSA designated airports are: Edmonton, Yellowknife, Winnipeg, Iqaluit, Ottawa, Montreal, Kuujjuaq
What you need to do differently when shipping cargo from a CATSA airport destination:
- For cargo being shipped on a First Air flight from Edmonton, Yellowknife, Winnipeg, Iqaluit, Ottawa, Montreal, Kuujjuaq
- Cargo must be tendered from a Registered Shipper (applicable primarily to businesses) or
- Cargo must be screened upon tender, per the new regulations
How to become a Registered Shipper:
- Go to Transport Canada’s Air Cargo Security (ACS) Program’s website for instructions on becoming a Registered Shipper
- You will need a Business Number (issued by Canada Revenue Agency), a Canadian business address, and a referral that can confirm an existing business relationship with respect to shipping air cargo (i.e. freight forwarder or air carrier)
- If you have an existing relationship with First Air Cargo, we can be your referral. Please complete Section E Referral of the application form with the following information:
- First Air contact name:
- Phil Davies
- Phone: 613-254-6364
- Email: cargosecurity@firstair.ca
- Contact ACS Support Centre
- Phone: 1-866-375-7342
- Email: aircargo-fretaerien@tc.gc.ca
For all other cargo shippers (those without a Business Number and not a Registered Shipper):
- Your cargo will be required to undergo a screening or physical search of the package prior to acceptance for flight
- Allow extra time at cargo drop off point for screening and processing
- Allow extra time for cargo delivery as the screening process may delay delivery
- Visit firstair.ca/cargo/security for regular updates to this new program or changes to First Air cargo procedures
If you need more information:
- Review Transport Canada’s Info-Sheet
- Contact Transport Canada at 1-866-375-7342 or e-mail aircargo-fretaerien@tc.gc.ca
- Contact First Air Cargo Security Officer at cargosecurity@firstair.ca