Aviation and Airport

TSA considers replacing airport X-rays with EDSs
Move prompted by spate of recent problems; ability to detect liquid explosives a key requirement, but technology is immature; cost an issue as well; recent TSA purchases include orders from Analogic and Reveal Imaging
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U.S.-E.U. relations under strain over visa waiver program
U.S. refuses to allow new E.U. countries to participate citing security concerns; in response, the European Commission says it will recommend imposing visa requirements on U.S. diplomats
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European court deadline for data sharing agreement passes
Negotiations will continue while the U.S. defers imposing $6,000 fines; privacy rights at issue, but U.S. will not budge on refusal to allow passengers to inspect shared information
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Joke at Tim Hawley's expense leads to unfunny security delay
Screeners at Milwaukee airport find nothing to laugh at when passenger writes “Tim Hawley is an idiot” on plastic bag
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San Diego shows promise as homeland security incubator
Local companies take advantage of proximity to high education; Daylight Solutions offers a hand held trace explosive detector that relies on lasers; Seacoast Science “volitaile organic chemical detector” identifies sarin, acetone, and other deadly chemicals
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Airport screening system under strain says TSA
A dearth of screeners and cumbersome explosive detectors contribute to problem; fix to cost $5 billion; selling federal tax credits one possible way to get more efficient machines on line
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GE signs deal with Dubai for luggage screening systems
CTX 900s to be deployed at Dubai International Airport; Arab Middle East market is booming as states deal with economic growth and homegown terrorism; airport, one of the largest in region, is a prime business opportunity for the security-minded
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TSA considers shifting money from puffers to X-rays
Criticism of explosive trace detection system reliability compunded by fear of liquid explosives; TSA believes newer X-rays will better detect liquid containers, though not the explosives themselves
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Update: TSA lowers proposed Registered Traveler Program fees from $100 to $30
Move follows industry and program participant objections; high fees might have killed the program
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DHS relaxes on-board liquid transport restriction
Starting tomorrow, passengers can carry-on items purchased in secure airport areas; home products okay if less than three ounces, capable of fitting in a one quart plastic bag
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TSA announces Registered Traveller program compliance standards
Agency regulators move forward despite concerns that rising costs may eventually kill program; two week public comment period begins; issues of concern include IT security and privacy rules, enrollment standards, and ongoing compliance methods
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CACI and TSA in new five year deal
CACI and TSA in new five year deal
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Day of highjack-proof aircraft nears
Some cars already have a built-in security device which disables the car’s engine if an unauthorized person tries to drive the car away; a similar system is now being developed for the future highjack-proof plane; a biometric access control device at the cockpit door will alert the computerized security system if an unauthorized person enters the cockpit; the system will then seize control of the plane and guide it to the nearest airport, avoiding tall buildings
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Officials downplay the future of counter-MANPAD technologies
Despite $45 million to Northrop Grumman and BAE, little enthusiasm exists for full deployment; planners are unwilling to commit in face of rocket-propelled grenade and machine gun risks; cost remains a major issue as wll
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Mounting fees may kill Registered Traveler Program
TSA announces it will charge additional $70 to pay for additional screening staff; at total estimated cost of $200 per passenger, price may be too high
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