By Bernard PESTEL, aeronautical consultant at Aeroexpert, former director of IFURTA (Institute for University Training and Air Transport Research), member of the Academy.
Terrorism is not a totally new form of political violence, but a very old and universal one. Some authors make it appear from the 1st century.
Today, the plane is unfortunately a prime target of terrorists, as fragile and an indisputable symbol of nations (sovereignty) and the modern world. Highly publicized it is a powerful lever to generate a fear.
The international community is constantly responding to these attacks. It must today strive to get ahead of them.