Aviation and Airport

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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Liquid bomb plot devastated British airline industry
Airlines operator BAA and British Airways report significant monthly losses on travel decline and heightened security costs; Ryanair to sue British government for reimbursement; can the airline industry afford to be so sensitive to threats?
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LAX announces new baggage drop-off program
Program will ease security efforts by minimizing ticket and skycap lines; 2004 shoot-out at El Al counter exposed vulnerabilities; passengers will pay $5 fee to drop bags off in Los Angeles locations and receive a ride to the airport
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Airforwarders indignant about cargo security criticism
Industry association believes government programs, shipper initiatives, sufficient; concerns about costs and delay drive response
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OptoSecurity in talks with major airport security integrators
Proprietary technology identifies dangerous objects at the speed of light; system easily integrated into existing X-ray scanners; postal service an emerging market
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Industry reports bright future for transportation security sector
Political pressure mounting after European train attacks; U.S. government to spend $1 billion over the next three years; video surveillance systems, explosives detection equipment, and analytical software among major needs
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