IATA: Aviation security has been 'tested' recently, but pre-screening not supported by the industry

IATA DG and CEO Tony Tyler said (02-Jun-2016) security is a foundation stone of aviation and has been "tested by recent outrages". Mr Tyler noted the objectives of terrorists "are clearly bigger than aviation" and that governments face the challenge of protecting their societies, along with keeping airline passengers and employees secure, as part of their responsibility for national security. Airlines "share the same objective and are working with governments to achieve it". Mr Tyler added that the recent Brussels attack highlighted the importance of security in airport landside areas. This is "fully within the remit of government-as is any public space" said Mr Tyler and he noted that the airline industry does not advocate the pre-screening procedures imposed in Brussels. IATA has tow initiatives can help mitigate risks with efficient processes that reduce queues and crowds:

• Smart Security: Working with Airports Council International, Smart Security will streamline security with a risk-based approach and modern technology, with the triple benefit of reduced queues, more effective screening and a better passenger experience;
• Fast Travel: An initiative to speed-up passenger processing with self-service technology.

Mr Tyler added that it is government intelligence capabilities that play the biggest role in reducing security risks to airlines and airports. Airlines help support the risk assessments that governments make by complying with requirements to provide Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record data. Mr Tyler noted that IATA has worked with ICAO, and other international agencies on global standards for data collection and transmission. It is "paramount that governments implement these standards consistently-or efforts to neutralise terrorism will be weakened by complexity" said Mr Tyler, as well as making full use of the data supplied through known traveller programmes. [more - original PR]