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Security seals are a key component of global aviation logistics, helping ensure that aircraft, airports, and airline supply chains are protected against tampering, theft, and poor practice. They play a vital role in airport security by safeguarding aircraft, cargo, and personnel as part of comprehensive protection measures. Seals also create an auditable record of logistics movements so authorised users can identify, manage, and reduce risks within their remit.
Tamper-evident security solutions are essential for protecting crew and passengers and are designed to comply with international aviation security standards.
Types of security labels and seals
Airplane door security labels
Aircraft doors should be sealed when unattended (e.g. overnight) to confirm no access has occurred without approval. Tamper-evident labels are commonly applied during storage or maintenance to deter unauthorised entry and provide proof of interference. Labels can be applied over door seams; if disturbed, a VOID message appears, giving clear evidence of tampering and preventing reapplication without detection. Labels can be customised with airline branding, logos, warnings, instructions, IDs, QR codes, or barcodes for traceability. Non-residue labels delaminate to reveal a VOID message while leaving no adhesive on the aircraft surface.
Air freight / air cargo containers
Air cargo containers face rugged handling, turbulence, and frequent movements. Correct sealing is crucial to provide tamper evidence, deter theft, and preserve cargo integrity. Universeal UK recommends single-use variable-length cable seals in this application. Cable seals offer substantially higher pull strengths (approx. 330 kgf to 2000 kgf) than plastic pull-through seals and can only be removed with appropriate cutting tools—ideal for withstanding the rigours of airfreight. Security seals and tapes are also manufactured to tolerate extremes of heat and cold, maintaining integrity in transit and storage.
Ground operations logistics seals
Vehicles operating airside—trucks and trailers—should be sealed with indicative plastic seals to prevent intrusion once within airport boundaries. Pull-through seals with metal or acetal inserts provide greater sophistication and clearer evidence of tampering. Options include various lengths, pull strengths, and tear-off features to suit specific tasks. Using tamper-evident seals and labels supports audit trails and enables track-and-trace for logistics management.
Waste and equipment collection bags
Waste and equipment sacks should be sealed with printed ID ties or security seals to ensure safe transport, reuse, recycling, or disposal of bulk-bagged items used across airline and airport operations.
Catering trolley security seals
Tamper-evident labels are widely used to secure catering trolleys, inflight carts, duty-free boxes, first-aid kits, and ATLAS boxes—protecting food, emergency supplies, and sensitive items on board. Labels are inexpensive, customisable, and flexible enough to seal across seams and around corners. They are unobtrusive and quick to remove, helping cabin crew maintain service flow.
Why choose Universeal?
Our security solutions serve airlines and their supporting sectors, including retail, food, and healthcare. Available in a wide range of colours and sizes, they can be tailored to specific airport and airline requirements. We offer custom printing (company names, logos, messaging), unique sequential numbering, and barcodes. Packaging formats can be adapted for ground operations. We can also design labels and seals specifically for waste or equipment bags, ensuring clear tamper evidence and operational fit.
Summary
These security solutions protect sensitive items and ensure traceability throughout the supply chain, supporting airline and airport operations effectively. Universeal supplies a full range of tamper-evident products—tapes, labels, and seals—designed to meet the diverse needs of the aviation industry. For more information, visit the airline section of our website or download our leaflet, “Security seals for the aviation industry”.
Frequently asked questions
What are airline security seals used for?
They secure aircraft doors, cargo containers, catering trolleys, and other aviation items to prevent unauthorised access and provide clear tamper evidence.
How do tamper-evident labels work?
They display a visible VOID message or pattern if removal is attempted, making resealing without detection impossible.
Can security seals withstand extreme conditions during air freight?
Yes. High-quality seals and tapes are designed to endure extreme temperatures, humidity, and rough handling to maintain cargo integrity throughout transit.
For more information on Your Guide To Airline Security Seals & Labels talk to Universeal (UK) Ltd