Introduction
The attempt of the mid –air explosion on Christmas Day 2009 has left the government reconsider the efficiency of the airport security. Consequently various new strategies to ensure the screening of the passengers are being planned. The major airports are planning to include the full body scanning technologies in the existing security systems. Moreover, new airport security technologies are being explored to apply mental interrogation methods to reinforce physical searches (Future Airport Security Technologies, 2010).
Airports are high potential targets for terrorism because of the high concentration of people confined in a small space. The challenge is to build a robust security system to counter the terrorist activities. America has stepped up its security system by appointing TSA – a government organization to protect the nation’s transport system. TSA runs on the strategy by working closely with the Law enforcement body and intelligence community along with the state, local and regional partners to prevent aircraft hijacking (Law Enforcement Recruitment, n.d.).
Selection Organization and Training
TSA has deployed sky marshals who are highly trained professionals, armed, placed on American carriers on both foreign and domestic flights. The team of sky marshals is picked up from different law enforcement entities- military, state, federal to ensure the diversity in their learning and experiences (Law Enforcement Recruitment, n.d.).
The challenge is to select and train the right officers to build a good security force.
Recruitment & Selection: Recruitment of the security officers can be done by asking for a synopsis followed with panel interviews, psychological assessment, medical examination, physical test assessment, and complete background investigation (Law Enforcement Recruitment, n.d.).
Following is a list of some of the parameters on which the assessment of the candidate can be done:
- Attention to Detail
- Alertness
- Decisiveness
- Flexibility
- Integrity/Honesty
- Interpersonal Skills
- Problem Solving
- Planning & Executing
- Oral Communication
- Written Communication
- Security Equipment Knowledge
(Expert Transportation Security Officer- Security Training Instructor, n.d.)
The trick is to look such officers who are self-motivated and can put in tireless efforts to guard the security of the nation (Our People, n.d.).
Training & Development: Extensive training and development programs must be designed for the security officers to deal with the crisis and “be responsive to ever changing security threats and the natural disasters that occur” (Our People, n.d.).
Training programs like-
- Specialized/Functional training programs for officers,
- Training on IT based programs to maintain the security protocols,
- Training on security equipment and security screening policies and procedures must be followed with the evaluation of all trainees to check the effectiveness of the training programs (Our People, n.d.).
Today, airports are playing a crucial role in the local economics as well as global productivity. So, it is very important that they function efficiently and with reliability. Every airport must operate towards the safety and comforts of its passengers (Improving operations, comfort, safety, and the bottom line, 2008).
“The airlines business could be fully integrated with other parts of transport system to avoid delay and hassles and increase efficiency” (Mannings, n.d.). The flexibility and hassles associated with flying should come to an end.Most advantageous journeys can be systematized by An Intelligent transportation system to avoid all waste, error and delay. Airports have become the bottle neck with so much of congestion increasing every day. The airport of the future needs to be innovatively restructured to do away with endless traffic queues, hauling of luggage and delays (Mannings, n.d.).
Security Management
The airport is evolving with the growing traffic and accurate security system. There is a lot to come in near future in the airports which will minimize the risk factors and maximize the traveler’s comfort. According to the experts on the aviation development and management the procedure of getting into a flight from the terminal would include the following pathways in the coming times. “To avoid the threat of car bombs the travelers will park in a remote place away from the airport and take a light-rail to reach the terminal.
To update the passenger’s progress through the airport a wireless check-in kiosks equipped with a camera and biometric software will be located wherever necessary” (Scanlon, 2005). This will be used for the screening of the passenger’s face at each boarding pass. Besides this, luggage would be labeled with radio-frequency ID luggage tags containing data and photo image of the passenger (Scanlon, 2005).
The X-ray machine and metal detector will soon be accompanied by the Terahertz machine to detect hidden ceramic or plastic objects by giving a full body image. “The passport will be scanned by document scanners for the detection of explosives” (Scanlon, 2005). A workstation will be positioned at all the check-points from where all the data can be checked by the manager. “Passengers will be allowed to join the preferred- traveler line and go ahead through security after having registered and provided background information. The air ducts will be equipped with sensors to detect poisons and will immediately shut down the ventilation system in such cases.
In the moving luggage ways the checked luggage will again be screened by machines” (Scanlon, 2005). The strange behavior of a passenger will be captured in the smart surveillance camera systems who could be pulled out for further enquiry (Scanlon, 2005).
“Passengers will be provided more convenience and comfort by allowing them to wait in holding areas and not at the gate. Provision of facilities like rocking chairs, spas, fitness centers and bars would be there. For the higher-paying passengers VIP lounges and first-class terminals will propagate so that they could separate themselves from the masses” (Scanlon, 2005). A larger open space for more retail outlets would be proposed.To accommodate the increasing passenger load two floor gate areas will be designed (Scanlon, 2005).
In Israel the system of through airport security checks already exists. They ensure an in-depth checking of every single item while checking the baggage (Future Airport Security Technologies, 2010).
“A company called We Cu (We See You) Technologies in Israel has been working on the technology which would be helpful in the future airport technology based on behavioral science for seven years” (Future Airport Security Technologies, 2010). “The functioning of their system involves image projection that is followed by the analysis of their effects on the viewers” (Future Airport Security Technologies, 2010).Those passengers are detained for further screening that shows some acquaintance with specific terrorist groups. The giveaway reactions like heart rate fluctuations and increased body temperature are picked up by the hidden camera or sensor network (Future Airport Security Technologies, 2010).
Meanwhile, a new program named as Future Attribute Screening Technology (FAST) is being evaluated in the US. This technology can scan the facial movements of the passengers secretly as well as actively. The project manager of FAST, Robert Burns performed a demonstration in 2009 (Future Airport Security Technologies, 2010).
Though the above mentioned future airport technologies are not yet known but they would prove very beneficial once deployed. Their implication would definitely reinforce the security system and put a check on terrorist activity before it takes place. There will be no need for random airport security checks as the supposed suspects could be targeted directly (Future Airport Security Technologies, 2010).
The San Francisco International Airport is going to show the world the actual meaning of “environmental responsibility. ”The $383 million renovation may set an example for the air travel industries. “SFO’s renovated second terminal will be certified by the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system” (Petru, 2011). An estimated 1,667 tons of the airport’s carbon emission can be reduced by this upgrading (Petru, 2011).
Known as” T2” the restored 640’000-square-feet terminal which is the base for Virgin America’s and American Airlines’ domestic flights is designed by Gensler Architects (Petru, 2011).
SFO Director John Martin says that the travelers would be experiencing more comfort, convenience and well maintained standards set by SFO.”T2” aims at providing maximum comfort to the travelers at present as well as in future. Some of the interesting features of T2 are (Petru, 2011):
To reduce the terminal’s energy use energy efficient lighting and other equipment will be used at the T2 terminal. This will be useful in the carbon savings by cutting down 1,640 tons of greenhouse gas per year. “The natural sunlight will be utilized to trim down the use of artificial lighting and further providing a pleasant atmosphere to the travelers and the employees at the airport” (Petru, 2011). SFO already had a wide recycling and composting program.
“The food vendors at the new terminal are bound compost their food waste and use the compostable service ware. While renovating the terminal most of the construction and demolition material has already been recycled by the contractors, Turner Constructions” (Petru, 2011). In the process of renovation it was preferred to use the recycled –content flooring carpet and tiles so that the virgin materials could be conserved to a great extent. The requirement of maintaining an excellent indoor air quality was met by using the low-emitting paints.
“The carbon footprint of the project was cut down to a great level by reusing much of the existing building in the renovation. To avoid waste reduction passengers will be encouraged to carry reusable water bottles which can be refilled at the T2 ‘hydration stations’ after clearing the security screening” (Petru, 2011). Moreover, efficient new plumbing systems are also fixed reducing the water wastage upto40%.”The dual plumbing system makes it possible to use the treated water for restroom toilets” (Petru, 2011). Preference would be given to organic food by the food vendors. Organic food will be offered to the travelers whenever possible. “To connect travelers WITH THE Bay Area’s subway system a pedestrian bridge is constructed” (Petru, 2011). For the recreation and enjoyment of the passengers there will be play areas for children, retail street having shops, a wine bar and spa and installations by world- known artists in T2 (Petru, 2011).
Besides the new environment-friendly terminal there are other ways too through which SFO is trying to minimize its environmental impact in the recent years. The airport has set a goal that by 2020 its operations will be carbon neutral. The airport-operated buses in SFO run on biodiesel and the customers are given discounts for renting fuel-efficient vehicles (Petru, 2011).
Screening of Passengers
Full- body scanners are being used by Dutch and British officials at the airports and will definitely become common world-wide. In the US 40 scanners are being tested and 150 are supposed to be installed by the Transportation Security Administration (The Future of Airport Security, 2011).
- Firstly, passenger has to enter a machine which is partially enclosed. All the passengers have to go through scanning or pat-down in some airports whereas at other airports only the suspected ones have to undergo a pat-down or scanning.
- In the next step the passenger has to pause for five seconds so that the scanner can take the full body image. “The X-ray or high-frequency radio wave can detect chemicals or objects attached to the body through full body screening” (Future Airport Security Technologies, 2010).
- This raw image is transmitted to a TSA manned PC in a remote room via a computer network. The travelers are not seen by the people analyzing the images while passing through the checkpoints (Future Airport Security Technologies, 2010).
- Any hidden weapon or explosives can be detected while analyzing the picture but the facial features and private areas can be blurred with the help of computer. After satisfactory security clearance the images are destroyed Future Airport Security Technologies, 2010).
- The TSA officer at the checkpoint is broadcasted by the remote screener whether the passenger needs to go through additional search for which he is detained for 15-25 seconds or can go ahead (The Future of Airport Security, 2011).
If the proposals for the Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport come into effect the future airports will be seen not having a single person to interact. “The ticket clerks, baggage handlers, and other airport personnel will be found nowhere to escort passengers to the flights” (Patten, 2007). “It would be as simple as walking to the booth and check in to the flight by just waving the cell phone at a laser, dropping the luggage into a chute and then proceeding to security” (Patten, 2007).
The whole procedure will take only three minutes.An article in the Los Angeles’ Times reads that the Check- in 2007 conference on the concept of the unstaffed airports had created a buzz among 300 airline officials. The ideas of “a common check –in area for all airlines” in place of tags for the bags a tiny radio transponder resembling postage stamp that could be read several feet away which would help in tracking the luggage perfectly were also presented in the conference (Patten, 2007).
However, the efficiency of this kind of self –service airports is raises many questions like : what would one do if the machines break down when no human help is around? As in case of the rental robots at Hertz and voice recognition software in the companies used to respond to customer calls, the efficiency of the system is always in doubt. Another issue is regarding the interest of the airline officials in the betterment of the customer experience (Patten, 2007).
It is to be noted that the reasons behind the dissatisfaction among the travelers are not the inefficiency of the airport staff but the poor and outdated air traffic control system (Patten, 2007).
Security Management of Freight Air Carriers
The transportation industry has become more vigilant and careful regarding the air cargo security and compliance ever since the nightmare of 9-11.The processes have become more complex as these critical areas demand a high level visibility and reporting requirements. The efficiency of these processes depends largely upon the implementation of the right kind of technologies and tools in place. Lacking such efficiency, the freight forwarders are struggling with many weaknesses at present.
There is a lack of real time visibility into the status of their cargo shipments and lack of control over the actual data sent to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol’s Automated Manifest System and the scratchy nature of sending detailed end customer information to the carrier and the inability to revise cargo details. The make it worse the freight forwarders have to bear the cost burden approximately $2 to $9 per shipment in cases of any errors, omissions while filing documents or delays can prove to be expensive (Easing the Burden with On-Demand Logistics Solutions, n.d.)
These processes need to have a very sophisticated, multifaceted and expensive infrastructure. However, efforts are being made to bring this kind of sophisticated technology to freight forwarders at a reasonable cost through on-demand logistic management solutions. A Web interface can provide visibility into the supply chain in a less expensive and easy manner to the organizations (Easing the Burden with On-Demand Logistics Solutions, n.d.)
The on-demand logistics management solutions will increase the efficiency of freight forwarders on the functionality of sophisticated logistics.There would be no need of staff, specialized equipment, training, integration etc. (Easing the Burden with On-Demand Logistics Solutions, n.d.)
It is important having up to the minute information about the shipments at all times and all locations for their security and safety. It is considerably difficult for the freight forwarders to get used to meet changing shipper requirements and getting conformity and security permissions. Customers are also very particular about the time frames, rates and flexibility in scheduling or rescheduling deliveries. The freight forwarders and air carriers still involve manual processes for their logistic functions depending upon the complexity of the task and the market force (Easing the Burden with On-Demand Logistics Solutions, n.d.).
Some organizations like Dedicated Cargo Portals and Cargo Communication Systems help to automate processes and achieve greater efficiencies. Dedicated cargo portals and carrier websites are privately owned. Though cannot integrated into internal system, these can offer quality service to participating carriers. The Cargo communication systems are interconnected with each other but often deal with the parts of the process like: post booking and back end process.
But these may not meet the demands of the air freight forwarders. While an affordable. Web-enabled platform is provided by on- demand logistics solutions that is based on pay-as-you-go concept. All modes of transport are brought together and shipment process is managed from source to the door thus providing an end-to-end process. The complete book-to-bill process is taken care of by these on-demand logistics solutions keeping the privacy of confidential information intact. The AMS filing is automated directly from the forwarders and confirmed to the carriers that the information about the customer is filed without exposing the information (Easing the Burden with On-Demand Logistics Solutions, n.d.).
These may be very helpful for the freight forwarders as they can control all the aspects related to interaction between the carrier, intermediary customs and regulatory agencies and their customers. Therefore, these have a control over the global logistic network to supply multi model management to fulfill the entire order (Easing the Burden with On-Demand Logistics Solutions, n.d.).
“The on-demand logistics solutions enables the freight forwarders and their carrier providers to communicate electronically at each level from pricing and scheduling to keeping the track of the shipment status” (Easing the Burden with On-Demand Logistics Solutions, n.d.). Everything can be checked through the Internet (Easing the Burden with On-Demand Logistics Solutions, n.d.).
“The forwarders and carriers can work with their truckers electronically to tender loads and know the status of the movements of loads and process and audit invoices against the contracts the forwarder has with individual truckers” (Easing the Burden with On-Demand Logistics Solutions, n.d.). This enhances the productivity and optimization (Easing the Burden with On-Demand Logistics Solutions, n.d.).
Undoubtedly, on-demand logistics management solutions enable the freight forwarders to meet the challenges of the present situations efficiently. Business processes can be modernized, a more comprehensive communication between the business partners can be established and the world of air cargo would be safer than ever before by adopting the features and functionality offered in these solutions (Easing the Burden with On-Demand Logistics Solutions, n.d.).
An enormous amount of freight, packages, and mail carried aboard passenger and all cargo aircraft makes the cargo system very complex and complicated. “It consists of an immense and complicated network of distribution that connects the manufacturers and shippers to freight forwarders to airport sorting and handling facilities” (Elias, 2007). The demand for a fast, efficient shipment of goods by the customers has contributed in the swift growth of the air cargo industry.
“However the air cargo system is exposed to many security threats like illegal shipment of hazardous material, criminal activities like smuggling and theft, possibility of hijacking and damage and above all the probable plots to place explosives aboard aircraft” (Elias, 2007). To deter these criminal threats and enhance the air cargo security system many initiatives have been taken or are under consideration (Elias, 2007).
Cargo Screening and Inspection
The Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) mandated the screening of all mail and cargo carried aboard passenger aircraft in the U.S. as this can be useful in detecting explosives, inflammable devices and hazardous materials in air cargo. Screening and inspection of all mail and cargo carried aboard the passenger aircraft in the U.S. has been declared mandatory by the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) (Elias, 2007).
TSA has relied on the “known shipper” programs for the implementation of the security procedures for cargo carried aboard passenger airplanes. Further, the all-cargo screening and inspection system must be implemented in all –cargo aircrafts (Elias, 2007).
An air cargo security strategic plan has been developed by the TSA and it has also proposed some wide-ranging regulations created for the improvement in the security system of air cargo. This strategy involves the targeted physical screening of cargo on risk based assessments. It also proposes that the random inspections of the shipments should be increased. To avoid the carriage of unauthorized explosives or inflammable objects it is required that each passenger aircraft operator indirect air carrier like freight forwarders should develop a security program for screening of cargo. The TSA points out that it not possible to do 100% screening of all cargo with currently available technology so a more practical approach of inspecting the shippers through a known shipper process should be adopted (Elias, 2007).
Known Shipper Program
Known shipper programs refer to a system of differentiating the trusted shippers who are known to the freight forwarder or air carrier on the basis of previous business dealings from those shippers who are unknown with a little or no prior business with the freight forwarder or air carrier. This allows additional screening and inspection of packages from unknown shippers. Moreover, any cargo from shippers, whether known or unknown, who do not give consent for inspecting the cargo must not be transported by the freight forwarders and air carrier (Elias, 2007).
The overall effectiveness of the known shipper program was also questioned.
The capability of the procedures for inspecting and monitoring known shippers and the supposed need for a consolidated database of known shippers are the critical issues regarding the execution of known shipper program which has now been created. TSA has created a centralized and standardized database of the known shippers for the convenience of the freight forwarders and air carriers. An industry-wide database of known shippers was included in language passed by the Senate during the 108th Congress. Congress included language calling for the TSA to decide its regulations on air cargo along with the establishment of the industry-wide known shipper database which are now being implemented (Elias, 2007).
Screening of Cargo
Air cargo security also depends upon the competence of the procedures involved in the cargo inspection. “Screening and inspection requirements of all individuals, goods, property, vehicles and other equipment are required while entering a secured area of a passenger airport” (Elias, 2007). ATSA has established this requirement to ensure the protection similar to the screening of passengers and baggage (Elias, 2007).
“The current regulations indicate that the aircraft operators must implement the security program using all the procedures, facilities, and equipment to prevent the carriage of unauthorized or incendiaries in cargo onboard a passenger aircraft and inspect cargo shipment before being loaded onto the passenger aircraft” (Elias, 2007). The aircraft operators must have a control over the cargo shipments to deter carriage of unauthorized devices and access by unauthorized people. The transportation of cargo would be refused in case of refusal for an inspection of their shipments by shippers (Elias, 2007).
U.S. MAIL
To prevent illegal hazardous material shipment and the introduction of explosive and incendiary devices the transport of the U.S. mail establishes unique security challenges (Elias, 2007).
It is difficult to inspect first class, priority, and express mail before shipment as these are considered to be private and protected by the Fourth Amendment against search. A screening process to stop unauthorized shipment of hazardous material has been implemented by the Postal Service. It involves the customer screening by postal clerks. Any customer shipping packages heavier than one pound is subject to enquiry. Items weighing less than one pound shipped by U.S. mail are not subject to this restriction from carriage aboard passenger airliners (Elias, 2007).
An important issue in the discussions over air cargo security is the prevention of the introduction of explosives or incendiaries in mail shipped by aircraft while guaranteeing the safety and security and maintaining privacy rights of postal patrons. After the events of 9/11 and the Postal Service anthrax incidents the Technology Subcommittee of the President’s Commission on the U.S. Postal service proposed that the Postal Service and the Department of Homeland Security together should look at the technologies and procedures that could be used in identifying the sender on all mails. These procedures will ensure the prescreening of all mail including those packages also which weigh less than one pound (Elias, 2007).
“The 9/11 Act introduced a legislation which requires the Secretary OF Homeland Security to establish a 100% screening of cargo transported on passenger aircraft at the same level as of the passenger checked baggage. TSA puts forth that the initial challenges required in screening cargo at a piece level to meet the congressional mandate of 100% screening can be achieved through a supply chain solution” (Programs and Initiatives, n.d.). “Multiple initiatives are being pursued across the supply chain to achieve the screening objective” (Programs and Initiatives, n.d.). These are Narrow-Body Cargo Screening, Certified Cargo Screening Program, Indirect Air Carrier Screening Technology Pilot Program, and International Collaboration (Programs and Initiatives, n.d.).
The Narrow-Body Screening Amendment came into effect on Oct.1, 2008. It mandates that all cargo uplifted in the U.S. on narrow body aircraft has to undergo 100% screening. It must be disassembled and screened individually.95% of the flights can be represented over and 85% of passengers can be protected by this segment (Programs and Initiatives, n.d.).
“The global cargo security can be increased and burdens on trade can be reduced by TSA efforts to work in collaboration with the foreign partners” (Programs and Initiatives, n.d.).This harmonization will be helpful in achieving 100 percent screening requirement (Programs and Initiatives, n.d.).
“The Indirect Air Carrier (IAC) Screening Technology Pilot is a part of the Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP)” (Programs and Initiatives, n.d.). It mainly aims at assisting industry in achieving the screening requirements of the 9/11 Act by creating screening capacity at the IACs, to measure the effectiveness of select screening technologies on various commodity classes and to evaluate chain-of-custody procedures for screened cargo as it moves from the IAC to the air carrier (Programs and Initiatives, n.d.).
Each Indirect Air Carrier means any person or entity within the United States not in possession of a Federal Aviation Administration air carrier operating certificate must adopt and carry out a security program that meets current TSA requirements (Programs and Initiatives, n.d.).
“The Indirect Air Carrier Management System (IACMS) is a management system. It is used by TSA to approve and validate new and existing Indirect Air Carriers” (Programs and Initiatives, n.d.). IACMS allows TSA to assess and capture relevant information regarding IACs throughout the country and thereafter, process Security Threat Assessments (STAs) for all eligible employees (Programs and Initiatives, n.d.).
“TSA, in partnership is working with industry to increase security domain awareness to enable individuals to detect, deter, and report potential or actual security threats. The resulting Air Cargo Watch campaign is consistent with U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration efforts. Specifically, Air Cargo Watch looks for enabling the public and industry to report suspicious activity” (Programs and Initiatives, n.d.). “TSA encourages the display of posters and guides in public view to achieve its goal of spreading maximum security awareness along the entire air cargo supply chain” (Programs and Initiatives, n.d.). All materials have been designed to complement security concerns for the shipper community (Programs and Initiatives, n.d.).
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