At the ACI-NA Board meeting on October 10, I provided an update on our pandemic planning, done in collaboration with the Air Transport Association (ATA). While the work that began almost two years ago anticipated a SARS or avian influenza pandemic, the relationships ACI-NA forged with the officials from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have served airports well since the H1N1 outbreak in April 2009 and the subsequent declaration of a Level 6 pandemic by the World Heath Organization.
It has been an incredibly busy six months! Below is a list of the activities we have undertaken for airports in North America:
• Worked with CDC and ATA on guidance for airline and airport personnel
• Participated in numerous meetings and conference calls with CDC, DOT, FAA CBP, and TSA for pandemic planning
• Worked with FAA on the issuance of their advisory circular, including ACI World guidance
• Represented airports at a meeting for the U.S. travel industry convened by the Department of Commerce
• Participated in the aviation industry meeting with National Security Staff
• Represented airports at MITRE tabletop drill to assess impact of entry screening on air traffic and airports
• Participated in a conference call with White House officials to discuss possible entry or exit screening at airports
• Joined ATA and AAAE at a meeting with DHS Deputy Secretary Lute to discuss entry screening
• Represented the airport industry at a meeting with ATA, IATA and airline officials to discuss industry plans to respond to moderate influenza outbreak
• Participated in aviation industry weekly conference calls to provide information for White House reports on impact of H1N1 on critical industry sectors
• Working with CDC on launch of their traveler health campaign later this month
While we all hope that the H1N1 influenza strain will not mutate or become more virulent, ACI-NA’s work on behalf of the airport industry means we are not only better prepared, but we know the right people to contact throughout the federal government to obtain answers for your questions.
Contact ACI-NA with questions on airports and H1N1.
– Debby McElroy