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ACI World/Europe Annual Conference Leaders Panel Announced

May 21, 2018
Business Aviation News
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Angela Gittens at the ACI Conference | Aviation BlogThe 28th ACI Europe/World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition is approaching fast, and there are just a few weeks left before some of the airport industry’s biggest names and leaders join the leadership panel in Brussels to discuss some of the most important issues facing the aviation industry.

The leaders panel has now been finalised, and attendees can look forward to hearing keynote speakers over three full days:

  • Bongani Maseko, CEO, Airports Company South Africa and chair of ACI World
  • Arnaud Feist, CEO, Brussels Airport Company
  • Dr Michael Kerkloh, CEO, Munich International Airport and president, ACI Europe
  • Thomas Woldbye, CEO, Copenhagen Airport
  • Joseph Lopano, CEO, Tampa International Airport
  • Martin Eurnekian, Executive Director, Corporacion America, and vice-chair, ACI World
  • Fred Lam, CEO, Airport Authority Hong Kong.

The theme this year is ‘Airports as Brands and Businesses’ and the conference will be looking at the evolution of the airport into a business building a brand relationship with its customers.

The conference and exhibition will also be focussed around the ever-increasing challenge of airport capacity as passenger numbers continue to grow year-on-year. How do airports ensure that they maintain mandatory compliance, keep passengers moving, look after baggage, maintain watertight security and at the same time make sure that passengers stay happy and bottom line operational budgets stay intact?

Attendees at the conference will find out what the biggest names in the industry think about these challenges, and how the industry itself is working to meet these demands while keeping systems and processes efficient and cost-effective.

ACI World director-general, Angela Gittens said, ‘Our assembly provides a unique opportunity for industry leaders from all regions of the world to share their expertise and experience and debate and explore ways we can continue to adapt and grow. ACI is the only truly global voice for the airports industry and our assembly is the perfect venue to foster dialogue among airports as well as with stakeholders in the aviation industry as a whole.’

The exhibition promises to deliver a wealth of networking opportunities, and will showcase a wide range of airport solutions, including, but not limited to:

  • IT solutions
  • Bag drop systems
  • FIDS
  • Passenger boarding bridges
  • Duty free retailers
  • Commercial technology
  • And much more.

To find out more about the conference and exhibition, and to register for your place, please click here.

TSA Approves First ACSTL Trace Detection System

November 13, 2017
Business Aviation News
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Trace Detection System Approved by TSA | Airport Security NewsIt has been announced that the TSA has approved the first trace detection system on the Air Cargo Screening Technology List (ACSTL).

The portable system has been designed to detect tiny quantities of explosives within moments, in addition to the capability of detecting trace amounts of narcotics like fentanyl.

The flexible trace detection system has the ability to operate using batteries to enable seamless operation within a dynamic environment, and is perfect for screening cargo ‘on-the-go’ kerbside.

Plans are now in place to submit the trace detection system for testing and approval at other airport checkpoints, further improving security screening. The new system has been designed to operate in a similar way to previous versions, reducing the training time needed for the new devices. The provider also suggests that the units are easier to maintain, and will save time and resources over their lifespan.

Physical security in airports of all sizes around the world is increasing, and the pressures are growing for operators with mandatory regulations. Operators are looking towards the latest airport security technology to improve operations, increase efficiency and flexibility, while maintaining the highest levels of security within the airport environment.

Proven systems and solutions need to be in place to enable operators to rise to meet the challenges the latest security mandates and security threats place on the aviation industry. A wide range of security measures must be met, including:

  • Access management
  • Intrusion detection
  • Biometric identity management
  • Vehicle and personnel identification
  • Explosive detection
  • Narcotics detection
  • And much more.

Physical security solutions providers are embracing the latest technology to ensure airport operators can achieve maximum security at every level, and meet the mandatory requirements without creating undue ground delays that can result in fines and a reduction in passenger experience.

Solutions such as the trace detection system can help airport ground handling personnel to confidently expedite cargo, while maintaining efficiency and operational productivity.

Biometric Technology in US Airports

July 12, 2017
Business Aviation News
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Biometric Airport Technology | Airports NewsSince biometrics were introduced to the US airports market more than a decade ago, the uptake has still been pretty slow in adopting broad biometric measures.

Recently however, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been making sounds in favour of the introduction of greater levels of biometric technology across the country, particularly facial recognition.

How does facial biometric recognition work?

Facial biometric recognition technology can process information quickly – near real-time – and unobtrusively within the airport environment.

In simple terms, the way the system works places a camera within the airport, typically at passport control or other security area, and compares a live image of the travellers’ face with their travel documentation to determine an exact feature match. Using an automated biometric facial matching identification system, the process can be completed in seconds, speeding up the system of passenger processing significantly.

This increased efficiency is key to improving airport operations, particularly when integration with other airport systems can take place.

The trouble is that in the US, governments and departments cannot decide whether investment into biometric technology, both financial and resources, is for the public or the private sector. However, inroads are being built, as the CBP has announced the intention to use biometrics for foreign nationals leaving the US.

There is little doubt across the aviation industry, particularly within the commercial airlines sector, that biometric technology is the way forward for airport security and borders management. One of the key factors in favour of biometrics, aside from the efficiency factor, is the elimination of potential human error in checking travel documentation.

Travellers, according to the experts, could expect to be using their faces as boarding passes within the next three to five years, once infrastructural and operational challenges and investments can be shaken out within the industry. As passenger experience seems to be high on the agenda for the major players in the industry, biometric technology could be a real possibility.

Advanced Screening to Drive Airport Information Systems Growth Over Next Five Years

May 15, 2016
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It has been predicted that worldwide growth will be seen over the next five years in the airport information systems market, and this will be driven by an advancement in airport screening.

Research conducted by RnRMarketResearch shows that due to the investments made in the development and deployment of advanced high-tech screening systems, including biometric screening and authentication, the market is set to increase substantially.

Biometric advanced screening offers a cost-efficient, simple-to-introduce solution to greatly improve security, and can increase the efficiency of incident response, while maintaining lower operational costs.

Providers of biometric advanced screening and airport information systems, such as Rockwell Collins’ ARINC AIM, deliver a holistic approach to airport and facility security.

Zambia to Deploy Electronic Border Management in Sustainable Development Program

May 11, 2016
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AviSec_Feature-01Zambia is getting ready to adapt its border control as a part of its program to target 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The deployment of electronic border management will address four of these goals in Zambia’s preparations to include migration and human mobility.

Already launched last year, the e-VISA is an additional part of the program, aimed at implementing procedures to protect vulnerable migrants.

The introduction of electronic border management offers increased flexibility and efficiency, while maintaining key border security, protecting both the traveller and the country’s borders.

The latest border management systems include integration and support for evolving technologies and an additional layer of security for the advance screening of passengers and flight crew, with entry and exit management procedures streamlined to enable enhanced coordination of resources for airlines, airports, customs and immigration.

Airport Security Agreement by U.S. Senate

April 15, 2016
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Airport IntrudersThe U.S. Senate have agreed to approve new airport security measures following the bombings at Brussels Airport, it has been announced.

As a part of its initiative to fund the FAA, the Senate bill will include an increase in airport perimeter security, increased measures to screen airport personnel and the additional presence of authority-trained dogs, as well as the introduction of random, unannounced security tests of security systems in airports.

The news is welcomed by the TSA, who will conduct random testing, and has recently introduced an increase of visibility for key security staff, and has approved the transfer of security officers from large airports to increase cover in smaller airports.

Providers of facility and airport security systems also welcome the changes, as the introduction of enhanced technology delivers effective means of increased surveillance and information management for relatively low investment in infrastructure.

US Senate Approve Airport Security Including Advanced Personnel Screening

April 11, 2016
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Increasing Airport Security | Business Aviation BlogThe US Senate has begun to approve airport security measures, following discussions last Thursday.

The measures look to include an advanced system to screen airport personnel in the ‘Thune-Nelson anti-terrorism package’. Interestingly, it looks as though there will be a program for the donation of security equipment that is not needed, or surplus to requirements, to foreign airports that conduct direct flights to the US.

Over the past few years, there has been instances of security breaches by airport personnel, and the ramping up of security screening for airport workers will be a welcome addition to requirements. Also, there may be a significant increase in the presence of airport security teams, and an additional layer of security for aircraft cockpit entry.

Providers of security access and screening control systems, such as Rockwell Collins’ ARINC AIM, who deliver solutions for airports and other critical facilities, welcome the decision, as the technology already exists to enhance airport security across the globe.

Discussions are yet to continue, with other subjects, such as the transportation of prisoners, and taxation titles still on the table.

Passenger Data Sharing Between UK and Ireland Steps Up

April 9, 2016
Business Aviation News
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More about API and passenger data transfer from leading APIS providers | Business Aviation NewsFollowing the recent attacks in Europe, the UK and Ireland have agreed that Advance Passenger Information (API) will now be shared for all travellers between the two countries.

With nearly 4.5 million travellers moving between London and Dublin last year, just on flights, the air route can be marked as one of the world’s busiest.

The move is welcomed by groups who have campaigned for greater attention to this route, which has been cited as a possible route for extremists to travel before moving on to other territory.

Frances Fitzgerald, Acting Justice Minister, said, “It is a critical issue, not just for Ireland, but for all member states that they are in a position to strengthen border controls through the sharing of information on suspect passengers prior to their travel from one jurisdiction to another.”

As terror threats continue to increase across the world, API provision is becoming a growing requirement, enabling governments and border agencies to screen passengers in advance of travel.

Providers of the Advance Passenger Information System, such as Rockwell Collins’ ARINC AviSec, ensure that aviation message handling is reliable, with guaranteed delivery and security.

Bangladesh Urge UK to Lift Air Freight Restrictions

March 20, 2016
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swiftbroadbandIndian exporters have asked the Bangladeshi government to urge the UK to lift the recently imposed cargo bans on direct flights from Dhaka, as they are worried about the economic implications for businesses who rely on exports to the UK and Europe.

The bans were issued by the UK Department for Transport due to a lack of international security requirements, particularly on cargo being transported on indirect routes.

Aviation security is an increasing challenge being faced by airlines and carriers all over the world, and the requirements are becoming more and more stringent to ensure safe passage and to enhance border security.

Aviation security screening is also becoming more sophisticated, and providers of security systems are delivering solutions to cover both physical and biometric security for the aviation sector and for other critical facilities.

PNR Transmission Plans for EU ‘On Hold’ Again

March 15, 2016
Business Aviation News
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The EU PNR transmission directive is in the news again, as EU parliament members are accused of ‘playing games’.

Earlier this year, the plans for the introduction of the EU PNR Directive continued to be hotly debated, yet the final drafts were agreed for the vote in the European Parliament. It has been announced that the plans are now subject to further delays following a mass vote against the initiative.

The announcement has created frustration amongst the lawmakers in Europe, who are eager to put an official plan in place to introduce what they are referring to as a ‘critical counter-terrorism tool’.

The controversy has arisen again around the breach of privacy of an individual’s personal information, as PNR data will be retained for airlines for five years, the first six months of which will retain personal identifying data.

This is not to say that information will be accessible by the public, but rather by a specially-created regulating body, specifically detailed to handle the sensitive information.

Passenger Name Records have been in existence for many years, originally being used to assist interlining passengers with baggage transfers. The new directive aims to use PNR information in a similar way to Advance Passenger Information, which is used to screen passengers in advance of international travel.