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.

FMI: www.aci-na.org