Westminster is pleased to announce the ratification process of a 10+ year contract for security services to five airports in the Democratic Republic of the Congo ('DRC') has been completed and contracts signed.

Contracts were officially signed during the UK - DRC Trade and Investment Mission, at a formal ceremony in Kinshasa by board representatives of both Westminster and the airport authority, La Regie Des Voies Aeriennes ('RVA'), in the presence of various government officials and dignitaries including Lord Popat, the UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy; John Humphrey, His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for Africa; HE Alyson King OBE, HM Ambassador to the DRC; and HE Ndolamb Ngokwey, Ambassador of the DRC to the United Kingdom.

Westminster will provide all the investment and expertise required to upgrade security at the airports. This not only includes the provision of advanced detection, surveillance, and screening equipment, but also the maintenance, training and various support services required to ensure DRC's airport security is run to the highest international standards. This enhancement in airport security will assist the authorities in DRC in developing and maintaining world-class airport security services, opening up the potential for growth in air traffic by attracting new international carriers and commercial enterprises to the region.

As part of the programme, Westminster will also be establishing an aviation security training academy to provide certified training to international standards for all aviation security ('AVSEC') staff within the country, ensuring that DRC's AVSEC staff are amongst the best trained, motivated, and valued in the entire region.

Commenting on the Contract Award, Westminster's Chief Executive Officer, Peter Fowler, said:

"I am delighted to be able to announce this important new contract during the UK - DRC Trade and Investment Mission.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a key addition to our international aviation security services, and we believe the country has exciting growth potential. With a surface area equivalent to that of Western Europe it is, by area, the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa, the second largest in all of Africa, and the 11th-largest in the world. It is also the most-populous Francophone country in the world. Air travel is therefore an important and a necessary requirement within this vast country. DRC is extremely rich in natural resources and has the potential for sizeable economic growth. I look forward to Westminster having a long-term presence in the country and in playing our part in the successful growth and security of the country's numerous airports."

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