Airport security has never been more critical. With thousands of personnel requiring verified access to restricted zones daily, having robust identification systems in place is essential for any aviation operation. Our aviation services ID cards offer a practical, security-focused solution for airports, airlines, ground handlers and associated service providers across the UK.
At ID Cards And Lanyards, we specialise in producing high-quality airport security ID cards that help organisations maintain strict access control whilst keeping day-to-day operations running efficiently. Whether you need identification for airside personnel, maintenance crews, catering teams or administrative staff, we can deliver cards that meet your specific operational requirements.
What We Offer
Our identification cards are built for the demands of the aviation environment. Each card can be customised with your organisation’s branding, staff photographs, job titles, department codes and expiry dates. We incorporate advanced security features including holographic overlays, UV-reactive inks, encoded magnetic strips and microtext printing to deter counterfeiting and unauthorised duplication.
The materials we use are deliberately selected for durability. Aviation staff handle their ID cards dozens of times each shift—swiping through access points, presenting them at security checkpoints, clipping them to lanyards. Our PVC cards withstand this repeated handling without cracking, fading or delaminating, even when exposed to fuel, cleaning agents and temperature fluctuations common in airport environments.
Streamlined Airport Access Control
Managing who goes where within an airport is a complex logistical challenge. Different personnel need access to different zones—pilots and cabin crew require airside access, baggage handlers work in restricted apron areas, retail staff operate landside. Our airport ID cards can be configured with colour-coded zones, access level indicators and area-specific markings that security personnel recognise at a glance.
This visual differentiation matters. When guards can immediately identify whether someone belongs in a particular area, they can focus their attention on genuine anomalies rather than constantly verifying credentials. The result is faster throughput at access points and more effective security screening overall.
We also understand that aviation staffing fluctuates. Contractors come and go, seasonal workers join during peak periods, and agencies supply temporary personnel at short notice. Our production process accommodates these realities—we can turn around urgent orders quickly without compromising on quality or security features.
Beyond the Terminal: ID Cards for Aviation Services
Airports are supported by a network of specialist service providers, each with their own identification needs. Ground handling companies employ hundreds of staff who load baggage, marshal aircraft and operate specialist vehicles. Aircraft maintenance firms send engineers into hangars and onto stands. Flight catering operations deliver meals directly to aircraft doors. Fuel companies access apron areas multiple times daily.
Each of these aviation services requires personnel who can demonstrate their identity and authorisation quickly. Our aviation identification cards serve these diverse sectors, providing consistent quality and security standards regardless of the specific role or employer.
We work directly with ground handling firms, MRO providers, catering companies and fuel suppliers to understand their particular requirements. Some need smart card functionality for time and attendance systems. Others require proximity card encoding for electronic access control. A few want simple photo ID for visual verification. Whatever the specification, we can produce cards that integrate with existing systems and procedures.
Security Features That Actually Work
Counterfeit ID cards represent a genuine risk in aviation security. A convincing fake could potentially grant access to restricted areas, with obvious implications. We take this threat seriously and build multiple layers of protection into every card we produce.
Holographic overlays are the first line of defence—they catch the light distinctively and are extremely difficult to replicate without specialist equipment. We can apply custom hologram designs incorporating your organisation’s logo or specific security patterns.
Beyond the visual elements, we offer UV-reactive printing that reveals hidden information under ultraviolet light, microtext that appears as a solid line to the naked eye but contains readable text under magnification, and guilloche patterns that distort noticeably if anyone attempts to copy or scan the card.
For organisations requiring electronic security, we encode magnetic stripes, proximity chips (125kHz and 13.56MHz), and smart card technology. These encoded elements integrate with existing access control infrastructure, allowing automated verification at turnstiles, doors and vehicle barriers.
Why Choose ID Cards And Lanyards?
We have supplied staff ID cards to aviation organisations for years, building a practical understanding of what works in this demanding environment. Our clients include regional airports, handling agents, engineering firms and airline contractors—organisations that cannot afford identification systems that fail under real-world conditions.
Our production facility uses commercial-grade printing equipment capable of producing edge-to-edge, full-colour images with sharp detail. Photographs reproduce accurately, text remains crisp at small point sizes, and colours stay consistent across large batches. This consistency matters when security personnel need to spot irregularities quickly.
We also maintain stock of blank cards in various specifications, enabling us to respond rapidly when clients need replacements or additions to their workforce. Lost a card? Need to issue passes to new starters? We can typically despatch within 24-48 hours of receiving the necessary information.
Next Day UK Delivery Available
Operational pressures in aviation mean that waiting weeks for ID cards simply is not acceptable. A new employee without proper identification cannot work airside. A lost card means someone potentially cannot access their workplace. Delays cost money and create headaches for rostering teams.
We offer next day UK delivery on orders placed before 2pm, Monday to Friday. This service covers mainland UK addresses and ensures your cards reach you promptly. For standard orders without the same urgency, we use tracked delivery services that typically arrive within 2-3 working days.
Bulk orders for larger organisations follow a slightly different timeline—we discuss realistic production schedules upfront so you know exactly when to expect delivery. Even substantial orders of several hundred cards can usually be completed within five working days.
Get in Touch
If you need aviation services ID cards, airport security passes or identification solutions for any aviation-related operation, we would be pleased to discuss your requirements. Our team can advise on suitable security features, recommend card specifications and provide accurate quotes based on your quantities and timescales.
Submit an enquiry: https://idcardsandlanyards.co.uk/enquiry
Call us directly: 0203 026 0565 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm)
We respond to most enquiries within a few hours during business days. For urgent requirements, calling is usually the fastest option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are aviation services ID cards?
These are identification cards specifically produced for personnel working in the aviation industry. They enable visual and, where required, electronic verification of identity and can include security features such as holograms, encoded chips and UV-reactive elements. Unlike standard employee badges, they are designed to withstand the physical demands of airport environments.
Can you match our existing card design?
Yes. If you already have an established ID card format, we can replicate the design and produce additional cards that match your existing stock. Simply send us a sample or high-resolution scan and we will quote accordingly.
What security features do you offer?
We can incorporate holographic overlays (standard or custom designs), UV-reactive printing, microtext, guilloche patterns, magnetic stripe encoding, proximity chip encoding (125kHz/13.56MHz) and smart card technology. The appropriate combination depends on your security requirements and budget.
How quickly can you deliver?
Orders placed before 2pm qualify for next day delivery to mainland UK addresses. Standard deliveries typically arrive within 2-3 working days. Bulk orders require slightly longer production times, which we confirm when quoting.
Do you supply lanyards and cardholders?
Yes. We stock a range of lanyards in various colours and attachment styles, plus rigid and flexible cardholders suitable for aviation environments. These can be ordered alongside your ID cards or separately.
What information do you need to produce our cards?
At minimum, we require staff photographs (digital files are fine), names and any role or department information you want printed. If you need encoded cards, we will also need technical specifications for your access control system.
Can you produce cards for temporary or contract staff?
Absolutely. Many of our aviation clients operate with a mix of permanent employees and temporary workers. We can produce shorter production runs for contract staff and turn these around quickly when needed.
