Aviation IT services firm SITA is spearheading a new initiative to address security threats at US airports.
SITA announced the establishment of the Secure Journeys Working Group which will look at ways to move passengers and baggage more swiftly through non-secure areas, effectively manage security wait times and leverage biometrics for passenger screening.
Secure Journeys is in response to the heightened security climate after attacks in non secure areas of airports in Brussels and Fort Lauderdale.
Brian Cobb, vice president of customer services at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport said: "Because CVG is a mid-market airport, we have the unique ability to quickly test the effectiveness of emerging technology on security and efficiency."
As a member of Secure Journeys, we can use our knowledge to help shape recommendations to authorities based on real-world experience rather than untested concepts."
The initiative is an expansion on SITA’s Border Automation User Group which rolled out in 2015 which implemented the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Automated Passport Control program.
"Secure Journeys will identify solutions to common ‘soft target’ challenges, passenger screening and insider threats and develop a set of recommended standards for U.S. airports to adopt," said SITA government markets sales director, David Menzel.
The working group will mainly work with the Department of Homeland Security, airport operators and airline partners, Menzel said.
