Getting to Grips with Airport Security

(07/11/2002)

There is global recognition of the need for improved security at all points of entry in all countries. Airport security is top of the political agenda, with terrorism, immigration, smuggling and piracy now critical issues for all involved in passenger and freight transportation. At the same time, terminal managers are faced with the need to maintain profitability and customer satisfaction levels.

Homeland security is of prime concern world-wide and recent acts of terrorism and breaches in security have put airports in the spotlight with governments looking for quick but long-term solutions to secure points of entry. The requirement for international regulation and standardisation of entry procedure grows ever stronger, as does the need for restoration of both passenger and freight customer confidence in aviation as a safe means of transportation.

Securing airport and other transport terminals is not as simple as merely 'increasing security'. Airport terminals are increasingly complex facilities and are almost certain to include other modes of transport, creating potential risks at every turn. Passengers, staff, freight, baggage and aircraft need to be kept secure which will involve, for some airports, a complete overhaul to meet any new standards. For example, an architect designing a terminal building in the 1970s would not have provided enough space for today's IT infrastructures, let alone the increasingly large and complex baggage screening machinery.

"There is no single silver bullet that will address the issue of airport security." Comments Alan McCartney, Deputy Chairman British Airports Group, "Rather, we must utilise our complete range of solutions that will include architectural design, technology, procedure and staff training to build an environment that is safe for the travelling passenger."

Airports, operators and airlines need to stay profitable and issues like customer confidence, satisfaction and comfort must be accounted for. Passengers expect delays whilst security procedures are carried out, but there is only so much waiting time that can be justified against the cost of air travel, especially given the advances in baggage screening, identification and integrated systems.

In addition to passenger and cargo security issues, airport managers are also faced with challenging staffing issues. Complex vetting and selection procedures are likely to become mandatory leading to additional pressures on management and budgets alike.

"Touchstone Electronics have been involved with airport security at Heathrow and Gatwick for more than twenty years, and our role has developed from that of an installation company into system integrators. As a result, the Company now plays an important part in the process of enabling these airports to develop their existing levels of security." Says Steve Tyler, Managing Director at Touchstone Electronics.

"By bringing together the "best of breed" from all that is currently available, we are able to provide the high quality CCTV images, combined with the latest in digital recording techniques, and to transform security concepts into workable solutions. We have deliberately set out to develop strong relationships with the major players in the CCTV industry, as this enables us to deliver solutions that are tailored to meet the needs of the airports. Touchstone, along with two of its partners, NICE Systems and Citysync, regards the APTS exhibition as being an ideal forum to meet and exchange ideas with anyone that has an active involvement in implementing security."

The APTS exhibition and the Implementing Airport, Port and Intermodal Security Summit will showcase the latest in transport security technologies, products and solutions as well as debating the global strategies.

The Summit is presented by International Business Events in conjunction with the DTI's Trade Partners UK, and in association with BAG, SBAC, BSIA, APPSS and JSIC.

"Aviation security is particularly important to get right. The safety and comfort of passengers in the worlds' airports and airlines, as well as ensuring the security of air cargo is a key factor in this business. This event is very timely, offering the aviation industry the opportunity to discuss many aspects of transport security, particularly as intermodal transport security becomes increasingly important for government and the transport industry alike." said Richard Chinn - Export Promoter Aviation - Trade Partners UK (DTI).

Related topics:  Security Services 

Print version | Email to a friend | Related articles

Data breaches: Trends, costs and best practices gives you all the latest information on securing personal and corporate data, key recommendations for immediate action to improve data security, and how to respond to data breaches.

Other Security news and resources