Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) today submitted comments in response to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Request for Public Comments regarding “U.S.-Canada Action Plan for Perimeter Security and Economic Competiveness”. In the filed comments, ACI-NA applauded the plan announced on December 7, 2011 by President Obama and Prime Minister Harper as “a good first step in improving the facilitation and security of trade, air travel, and the associated economic benefits for both countries”.  The comments also stressed the importance of the U.S. and Canadian Governments coordinating with ACI-NA on the aviation components as the Action Plan is refined and implemented.

“ACI-NA has long urged the Department to take a risk-based approach to security by focusing our limited government and industry resources on those people and goods about which the least is known,” said ACI-NA President Greg Principato. “Therefore, we were pleased that the Declaration by President Obama and Prime Minister Harper on February 4, 2011 stated ‘we expect to use a risk management approach’ and that ‘effective risk management should enable us to accelerate legitimate flows of people and goods into the United States and Canada and across our common border, while enhancing the physical security and economic competitiveness of our countries’.”

ACI-NA’s comments also noted the importance of the process outlined in the Action Plan to phase out the requirement for rescreening connecting checked baggage arriving at U.S. gateway airports. “We view this initiative as providing one of the most important aviation improvements in the Action Plan”, said Principato.

“For years, ACI-NA has been working on potential solutions with TSA, DHS and Congress to eliminate this redundant rescreening process because it unnecessarily drains limited TSA and industry resources and inconveniences passengers without providing meaningful security benefits.  Elimination of rescreening of connecting checked baggage will free up some TSA resources, minimize the operational burden on U.S. airports; decrease flight delays; minimize misconnected checked baggage; and improve the passenger travel experience,” he continued.

View ACI-NA’s full comments.

With the United States, Canada and the European Union driving aviation security policy, there is an opportunity to preserve limited resources. Doing so necessitates increased collaboration and coordination between governments, and the need to develop mutually recognized security standards and screening technologies. As an example, the European Commission sets aviation security standards but many European Union countries impose additional measures, creating an uneven patchwork that perplexes even the most seasoned traveler. In many cases, passengers and baggage must be re-screened when crossing international borders.

In Europe, airports – not the government(s) – provide almost all the aviation security operational costs. Indeed, 29 percent of airports operating costs and 41 percent of airports staff are security related. With security costs increasing exponentially, there is even more need for a coordinated approach to aviation security.

As aviation traffic continues to grow, we need a risk-based aviation security system that uses available data to more effectively balance customer service and detection. Information is available at multiple points that can be readily utilized to help focus limited security resources on those about which the least is known. Following the roll out of TSA’s Risk-Based Security initiatives, the European Commission has accepted the idea of risk-based security and has embarked on an industry-government working group to develop a model. Similarly, in Canada aviation regulators have embarked upon a risk-based program to streamline the security process for travelers enrolled in the Nexus program.

In needing to plan for the future aviation security system that harnesses the risk-based strategy, the International Civil Aviation Organization has established a Next Generation Screening Checkpoint Technical Advisory Group. ACI, in partnership with other aviation organizations, and regulatory authorities is participating on the advisory group to design a future system capable of maintaining the appropriate level of detection while increasing efficiency and reasonable costs, so that it is sustainable in the long term.

As part of a recently announced re-alignment at TSA, the Office of Security Capabilities was expanded to include the Office of Security Technology and key elements of other offices that directly support the operation, maintenance and strategic utilization of technology to enhance security.

Of importance to airports, almost half of the Explosive Detection Systems deployed at airports to screen checked baggage in the years after September 11, will reach the end of their useful life by 2013, and two-thirds of those systems within the next five years. To address the need for replacement or “recapitalization” of EDS systems, TSA is developing a strategic plan that will prioritize the recapitalization of systems based upon their operational reliability. Those with the lowest reliability will be at the top of the list. Another aspect of replacing EDS systems is optimization, making enhancements to improve efficiency, which may involve modification of the baggage handling system and replacing systems with other high-speed units. Although TSA will typically cover the cost of recapitalization programs, airports may incur a percentage of the costs for optimization projects.

With the recent procurement of 300 Advanced Imaging Technology units, which have the Automated Target Recognition software preloaded, deployment to airports is expected to begin later this year and continue into 2012. With ATR, a stick-figure image of the individual being screened is displayed on a screen mounted on the side of the unit, making separate rooms for image operators unnecessary.

Also at security checkpoints, TSA has started to deploy Advanced Technology 2 X-ray systems. These systems include separate viewing stations for alarm resolution, which should help to increase throughput.

ACI-NA and the Public Safety & Security Committee continues to works closely with the Office of Security Capabilities to ensure technology deployment is coordinated with airports.

Bannard also highlighted the urgent need for legislative remedies that will enable airports to limit the disclosure of the data and protect those involved from excessive liability exposure.  ACI-NA has been actively pursuing such legislation in Washington.

She highlighted ACI-NA’s ongoing activities related to obtaining relief from the Alternative Minimum Tax for private activity bonds.  She reminded the committee that ACI-NA continues to work with the student loan groups and the American Association of Port Authorities on this critical issue.  She also informed the Steering Committee that our Senate champion, John Kerry (D-Mass.), has included the AMT exemption in his national infrastructure bank bill, which is cosponsored by Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas).   Finally Riley informed the committee that the continued push on AMT is paying off as President Obama’s American Jobs Act proposal includes a two year extension of the AMT relief.

On Transportation Security, the chair outlined the successful effort to get changes made to House Homeland Transportation Security Subcommittee Chairman Mike Rogers’ (R-Ala.) language on Security Directives to ensure that TSA has to comply with rulemaking requirements when security directives or emergency regulations have been in place for more than 180 days.    And, in part due to Randy Walker’s (LAS) testimony, ACI-NA was able to make changes in Roger’s MODERN Credentialing bill to preserve the ability of each airport to adjudicate criminal history record checks and preserve the airports ability to make the final determination on who gets secure access to the facility.

Other issues covered in the Chair’s review included FAA reauthorization and the two week FAA shutdown, anti-airport FBO legislation and the 22 FAA extensions.

The Steering Committee also discussed the upcoming meeting of the 2012 Steering Committee, chaired by incoming Chairman Mark Reis of Seattle, and the fact the Committee will turn its focus to ensuring the success of the Airport Finance Policy Campaign.

Our panelists:

• Francine Kerner, Chief Counsel, Transportation Security Administration, a frequent guest speaker at ACI-NA’s Legal Committee meetings;
• Joanne M. Halley Office of Associate Chief Counsel, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Los Angeles Office;
• Professor Chris Guzelian, who teaches Constitutional Law at Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego.

The title of the session is fairly comprehensive in explaining what the panelists will be discussing. In addition to a discussion of these issues from a TSA security checkpoint perspective, we will also have the opportunity to compare and contrast how Customs and Border Protection operations addresses these issues. We will also have an academic perspective on Constitutional rights of privacy concerning airport security.

Statement of ACI-NA President Greg Principato:

“Airport officials have long advocated for this type of risk-based approach to airport security that focuses limited screening resources on those about which the least is known. We believe the program will help in the development of a sustainable system that balances enhanced security with improved customer service. Today’s launch of the PreCheck Program gets us one step closer to looking for bad people, not bad things.”

Principato continued, “ACI-NA and airports look forward to working with TSA and the airlines to further expand this risk-based screening program to additional airports as soon as possible.”

Last week, the House Homeland Security Oversight, Investigations and Management Subcommittee held a hearing at the Boston Logan International Airport on airport security.  Mr. Edward Freni, Director of Aviation for the Massachusetts Port Authority testified at the hearing alongside officials from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), including the Assistant Administrator for Security Operations and the Boston Federal Security Director (FSD), Massachusetts State Police and the Government Accountability Office (GAO).   All five witnesses discussed the changes in airport security since 9/11.  ACI-NA staff attended the hearing and provided support to the Massachusetts Port Authority staff.

During the hearing, Subcommittee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) emphasized that airports have multiple layers of security which protect the facility and aircraft from acts of terrorism.  He went on to highlight that there are many pilot programs and security technology being tested at Boston and encouraged TSA to look for ways they can roll out programs and technology that work to airports across the country.

Subcommittee Ranking Member Bill Keating (D-MA) asked TSA about who is the first to respond when it comes to breeches in perimeter security.  Mr. McLaughlin from TSA stated that airport law enforcement responds to incidents regarding the perimeter.  He went on to explain that TSA regulated airport security and that incident response is discussed in the required airport security program (ASP).  He concluded by noting that TSA uses inspectors to ensure airports are in compliance with their ASP, including response to incidents or breeches with the perimeter.

Ranking Member Keating asked TSA whether they can assess penalties to airports.  Mr. McLaughlin from TSA responded that the agency has the authority to assess civil penalties to airports that are not in compliance with their ASP.

Ranking Member Keating asked Mr. Freni how Boston has funded security projects and other security-related initiatives.  Mr. Freni responded that Boston has used a variety of funding sources, including airline rates and charges to fund these projects.  Mr. Naccara the Boston FSD applauded the airport, saying they have done a great job of being proactive in finding funding sources for a variety of projects.

The hearing concluded with both the Chairman and Ranking Member complimenting Boston on their proactive approach to security and stated that it is the “gold standard” for airport security.

After the hearing, Massachusetts Port Authority staff led a tour for Ranking Member Keating’s staff in order to highlight security technology at Boston and allow staff a closer look at safety and security features of the airfield.  The tour allowed Hill staff to better understand the security operations at the airport.  The staff at the Massachusetts Port Authority did a wonderful job of emphasizing airport priorities for Boston and the entire airport industry.

View Witness testimony

Contact ACI-NA’s Channon Hanna for more information.

Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), which represents the owners and operators of airports throughout the United States, today issued a statement in remembrance of those who lost their lives or were injured in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Statement of ACI-NA President Greg Principato:

“Airports and the entire aviation industry were profoundly changed by the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001; it was a tragic day many of us will never forget.  We recognize and honor those who lost their lives, loved ones or were injured in the terrorist attacks as a victim or a responder,” said Greg Principato, president, Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA). “In the last 10 years airports have worked to significantly improve aviation security. ACI-NA and airports across the country will continue to work with TSA to advance processes, procedures and technologies that not only enhance security but also improve the travel experience and increase efficiency.”

Principato concluded, “We will forever remember 9/11 but will move forward with confidence, never letting the terrorists think for a minute that they can deter North Americans from shaping our own future.”

It’s no surprise that the ACI-NA Public Safety and Security Conference in Washington had record attendance, both for the number of attendees as well as the number of airport representatives.  It’s also no surprise that the first session of the meeting covered THE hot topic in aviation security – risk-based security. 

What’s not to love about a program that offers such great potential to increase security and efficiency as well as improve the travel experience?  Airports and airlines have long supported the concept of “looking for bad people, not bad things”.  Speaking to the conference today, TSA Administrator Pistole described risk-based security as a way to “redefine (the) mission of TSA and how we execute on that mission”, emphasizing the need to “change the paradigm of one size fits all.” But, as with all security measures, the proverbial devil is in the details.

Brian Jackson, senior physical scientist with the Rand Corp., reminded everyone that the trusted traveler concept is nothing new; it is a concept that has been hotly debated since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.  The concern, which remains today, is creating a system that acts as “a fast lane” for the bad guys.  Jackson discussed the Rand’s recent study which concluded that a trusted traveler program has significant benefits for the traveling public, even with “a reasonable number of attempts” by bad people to sneak into the system.  A key strategy for program success, he emphasized, is ensuring that background check requirements be robust enough to act as a deterrent for terrorists.

Ken Dunlap, director of global security for the International Air Transport Association, called for a “smarter, faster passenger process”, given that the number of airline passengers traveling throughout the world will increase from an estimated 2.5 billion in 2011 to more than 16 billion in 2050. He noted that the “security processing time” for passengers is going down and offered IATA’s “Checkpoint of the Future” as one possible solution to the problem.  He also cautioned airport officials not to label protestors who express concerns about aviation security as “crackpots but as canaries in the coal mine”, emphasizing the need to ensure passengers understand why technology and procedures are in place.

John Wagner, executive director, passenger programs and admissibility, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, discussed the Global Entry program, which is now in place at the 20 busiest airports in the United States with almost 750,000 enrolled.  ACI-NA has long been a supporter of this “pilot program”, which is expected to be made permanent and extended to other airports as soon as a final rule is issued; hopefully by the end of the year. CBP is working closely with TSA in their development of the TSA Known Traveler program Global Entry members, along with those enrolled in SENTRI and NEXUS, are among the small group eligible to participate in the pilot tests.

John Sammon, TSA’s assistant administrator-transportation sector network management, also touted the potential benefits of risk-based security, but emphasized “this is not a club, there is no guarantee” that participants in the Known Traveler program will not be required to undergo the same physical screening process as those not participating in the program, because of the need for “a random element” .  He also reminded conference attendees that this not only includes airline passenger screening but also the “Known Crewmember” program which was recently expanded to Chicago O’Hare and Miami airports and is going well.  Sammon agreed on the need to work closely with airports as it is rolled out, given that potential changes that may be necessary in the configuration of passenger screening checkpoint.

“We’ve got to reduce the size of the haystack in order to find the needle.” That quote really summarizes the overall message of TSA Administrator John Pistole

TSA Administrator John Pistole addresses attendees at the 2011 ACI-NA Public Safety & Security Fall Conference. Far left to right: ACI-NA President Greg Principato; ACI-NA Chairman Frank Miller

this morning when he addressed airport safety and security officials, public safety professionals and industry leaders at the 2011 Public Safety & Security Fall Conference held at the Pentagon City Ritz-Carlton just outside Washington.

Despite the early hour, the room was packed as everyone wanted to hear what Pistole had to say.  As we approach the 10-year mark of both the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 as well as the creation of the TSA (on Nov. 19), it was great to hear how much emphasis Pistole placed on risk-based security initiatives and collaborating with airport operators as we move forward to a more intelligence-driven approach to passenger screening. Both of these are mantras that ACI-NA has been pushing for over the last several years.

Throughout his speech, Pistole emphatically reminded attendees that TSA is redefining its mission to change the one-size-fits-all paradigm and move towards a more risk-based, intelligence-driven security approach.

Here are some of the highlights:

Known Crewmember Program

Tested first at Chicago O’Hare, this program enables TSA agents to quickly and effectively identify airline crew members, to shorten passenger lines and enhance the screening process. So far, the program is only available to pilots, but Pistole hopes to eventually open the program up to flight attendants and perhaps airport officials in the future.

Identity-Based Traveler Pilot Program

During the first phase of testing (slated for the Fall), certain frequent fliers and certain members of CBP’s Trusted Traveler programs, including members of Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS who are U.S. citizens, will be eligible to participate in this pilot, which could qualify them for expedited screening at select checkpoints at Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, and Miami.

“The key is to find common solutions to common challenges in partnership with airports in an open, frank dialogue.” But he also emphasized that, “I’m talking about risk management in order to mitigate risk, not risk elimination.”

The $60.74 they cite is made up of charges for the federal ticket tax, the flight segment tax, the security surcharge, and the passenger facility charge (PFC).  The first thing, and this is where the new math comes in, is that 30 percent of the $60.74 is from the PFC.  And the PFC, as we all know, and as the federal government knows, is collected by the airline, which receives a fee for its’ services and before remitting it to the local airport for local projects.  It does not come to Washington, it does not visit the Treasury Department, it does not pass Go.   Oh, and just for the record, the airlines make money collecting the PFC – more than $80 million a year – but they did not deduct that from the amount they claim goes to Washington either.

The sole silver lining of the FAA shutdown is the fact we now have irrefutable proof, not that we needed it, but some in Washington did, that the PFC is not a tax.  After all, all the federal taxes the airlines had to collect from passengers expired and the PFC, a local user fee, is still being collected by the airlines, ergo it cannot be a tax. If looking at the actual taxes on the ‘ticket’ in the ad there’s the security surcharge which helps pay for the equipment and personnel needed to keep our aviation system safe $10; and the flight segment tax and the ticket tax.  The money from these latter two goes into the aviation trust fund, or at least it used to back when the authority to collect them still existed, to help pay for upkeep on the national aviation transportation system.  You know all those important things like air traffic control, navigational aids, and runways.  The airlines benefit from the system just as the passengers do.

The rest of the ad urges people to “tell Congress that new air-travel taxes will take America in the wrong direction.” You have to wonder if this is the argument the airlines will use when Congress finally puts the FAA back in business and they are required to collect these taxes again.

Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), which represents the owners and operators of airports throughout the United States, today issued a statement in response to the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) announcement of the installation of Automated Target Recognition (ATR) software on Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines, designed to enhance privacy by eliminating passenger-specific images. Additionally, this software upgrade is expected to increase efficiency and expand the throughput capability of AIT machines.

Statement of ACI-NA President Greg Principato:

“ACI-NA is encouraged by the Transportation Security Administration’s initiative to install ATR software on millimeter wave Advanced Imaging Technology units deployed at airports. This software will further enhance the efficiency of this effective technology while protecting the privacy of travelers. We look forward to the future deployment of ATR on the remaining AIT units.”

Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), which represents the owners and operators of airports throughout the United States, today issued a statement in response to the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) announcement of a risk-based, intelligence-driven passenger screening pilot program, slated to be launched in September.

Statement of ACI-NA President Greg Principato:

“Airport officials have long advocated for a risk-based approach to airport security, as it helps to more precisely focus screening resources. Today’s announcement of the risk-based screening pilot program is a step in the right direction.”

Principato continued, “ACI-NA looks forward to working with TSA as they launch this program at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Miami International Airport and, as they move to add additional airports to the program in the future.”

“Our northern neighbors have never hesitated to lend a helping hand when needed but on September 11, 2011, as your resolution notes, Canadian airports and their communities opened their runways and their hearts to stranded passengers.  Lasting bonds were forged on this very dark day in our history and the unwavering support of our neighbors to the north deserves the recognition called for in H.Res. 286.”

The congresswoman is looking to get this resolution approved before the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group meets in September so ACI-NA asks all our members to contact their House delegation and urge them to co-sponsor H.Res. 286.