Fri, Aug 12, 2011
Program Strengthens Aviation Security, Expedites Passenger
Screening
ALPA, the Air Line Pilots Association, International, and ATA,
the Air Transport Association of America, which represents major
airlines, began operating the first test site for the Known
Crewmember program at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on
Tuesday. The new program positively verifies pilot identity and
employment status, allowing them to bypass screening lines for
passengers.
ALPA President Captain Lee Moak explains, "This enhanced
screening process recognizes the extensive background checks pilots
receive as part of their employment and, importantly, airline
pilots’ critical role and responsibility in securing their
aircraft each and every time they fly."
ATA President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio says the program needs
to go a step further. "We urge the TSA to include flight attendants
in the Known Crewmember screening system so that they – and
the traveling public – may also benefit..."
ALPA and the ATA say it's their goal to make the program
available to all U.S. airline pilots, and more than a dozen
airlines already have connected to the system. The program, which
links airline employee databases, initially will be available only
to pilots, but ALPA, like the ATA, has asked the TSA to include
flight attendants.
The trial phase for the first three Known Crewmember access
points started Tuesday at Chicago O’Hare International
Airport. Four more access points are slated to open at Miami
International Airport later this month, with more coming later this
year at airports including Boston Logan International Airport,
Washington Dulles International Airport, Minneapolis-St. Paul
International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport,
and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
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