North American, European Airports Say They Need More Efficient,
Sustainable Aviation Security
During a joint board of directors meeting of the North American
and European regions of Airports Council International (ACI-NA and
ACI EUROPE), U.S., European, and Canadian airport directors
discussed current aviation security issues with John Pistole, the
recently appointed Administrator of the US Transportation Security
Administration (USA TSA), Daniel Calleja, the Director of Air
Transport for the European Commission and Kevin McGarr, President
and CEO of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA).
Board members of the Canadian Airports Council (CAC) also attended
the meeting.
Taking stock of the progress achieved in recent years as a
result of growing transatlantic cooperation, the boards confirmed
their commitment to working closely with US TSA, CATSA and the EC.
They stressed the importance of achieving an integrated
transatlantic One Stop Security system, so as to deliver better
service quality to passengers, while maintaining an effective level
of security.
Looking further ahead, the airport directors urged US TSA, CATSA
and the EC to work towards a more efficient, sustainable aviation
security system. As part of this ambition, they also insisted on
the need for the US, Canada and the EU to take the lead on truly
international harmonization at ICAO.
"Building upon the existing level of coordination with and
between the U.S., Canada and the EU is essential as we move forward
to design the future aviation security system, which must be
effective and efficient, yet sustainable over the long term," said
ACI-NA Chairman Hardy Acree. "The safety and security of our
passengers, employees and facilities is paramount to North American
airports."
"Aviation security standards in the EU, Canada and the U.S. are
among the highest in the world," said ACI Europe President Ad
Rutten. "Yet, the ultimate goal of a one-stop security regime,
including fully compatible solutions still has a lot of progress to
make."
He added "We are calling for the EU and US to further step up
their cooperation. We are calling upon them to work in a concerted
and active way on designing the aviation security system of
tomorrow. The way forward is clear. Improve the effectiveness of
aviation security - by moving from almost exclusive focus on
detection to better use of intelligence and information in the
whole passenger security process."
"Clearly Canada recognizes and supports the goal of pursuing the
highest level of aviation security possible and this can only be
through a concerted and coordinated effort by all parties," said
Canadian Airports Council Chairman William A. Restall.