Board members from both ACI Europe and ACI-North America met with US TSA Administrator Peter Neffenger this weekend where ‘a strong consensus’ was reached on progressing more risk-based and integrated approaches towards aviation security, with focuses on innovation, intelligence capabilities and a better use of existing resources.

 

The meeting took place in Montreal ahead of the ACI World & North American Annual Congress & General Assemblies, which begin today as part of unifying the global airport community.

 

ACI Europe stated today: “Along with safety, security remains an absolute priority for airports, their communities and other industry partners. Ever since 9/11, ACI-NA and ACI EUROPE have jointly been leading the industry’s engagement with the US TSA and the European Commission – providing both strategic advice and operational expertise.”

 

MUTUAL CONSENSUS ON THE FUTURE APPROACH

This meeting took place just few days after the UN Security Council adopted its counter terrorist threats to civil aviation resolution, with Neffenger highlighting the evolving nature and increased complexity of the terrorist threat and ‘the best ways to address it’.

 

According to ACI, the US TSA has already taken significant steps in that direction, in particular through the deployment of its PreCheck system – in an effort to achieve a more targeted and efficient screening process at US airports.

 

CHECKPOINTS AT LANDSIDE ENTRY POINTS DISMISSED

Landside security was also on the agenda, with Neffenger confirming the US view that establishing screening checkpoints at airport terminal entry points actually presents security vulnerabilities and does not offer the most effective way of securing public areas.

 

Commenting on the situation, Maureen Riley, Chair of ACI-NA and Executive Director of the Salt Lake City Department of Airports said: “In today’s complex security environment, we must maintain a global vision when it comes to providing the safest and most secure travel experience. More and more, airport challenges are not restricted to one country and require collaboration that crosses borders.

 

“Airports appreciate our strong relationship with Administrator Neffenger and his partnership with industry stakeholders.  We look forward to continuing our collaboration to advance a smart, risk-based approach to security through our close alignment with ACI Europe.”

 

Adding his comments, Augustin de Romanet, President of ACI Europe and President & CEO of Groupe ADP commented: “Continued alignment between the US and the EU is more important than ever given the security environment we are now facing. I was impressed by the TSA’s strong focus on innovation and readiness to challenge the way we secure our facilities.

 

TAKING A LEAD FROM THE US?

“The US PreCheck system points to how we need our aviation security system to evolve – reinforcing security efficiency and adapting to the new reality we are facing. I hope we will be able to follow suit in Europe with similar initiatives, which should ideally be developed in tandem with our US partners.

 

He concluded: “Ultimately, step changes in our ability to protect our facilities – both landside and airside – will depend on the ability of our authorities to leverage their intelligence capabilities and work even closer together and with the industry.

 

“The real challenge is detecting and stopping terrorists before they even reach an airport or any other public space. Once they are there, it means we have already lost.”