Our security news round up covers the TSA’s new screening strategy, new partnerships, and the installation of state-of-the-art technology in terminals across the globe.
The US’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has unveiled its new Horizon 25 Strategy for airport screening as the agency approaches its 25th anniversary.
The new strategy, outlined by TSA Administrator David Cummins in late August, has three main objectives – the modernisation of TSA’s checkpoints, enhancing the traveller experience, and strengthening security across connecting modes of transport.
This strategic vision, noted Cummins, is designed to drive excellence and resiliency for many years to come.
To rapidly advance key strategic initiatives, Cummins said he will bring together innovators and ground breakers from across the agency, including field and headquarters personnel, in September.
These initiatives include enhancing TSA PreCheck, improving the passenger experience, streamlining the acquisition of new technology, expanding TSA’s capabilities to counter the threat of unmanned aircraft systems, and advancing other key priorities.
According to the TSA, this strategy will accelerate public-private partnerships with industry leaders across sectors to expand modernisation across the administration.
An evolved Screening Partnership Program will replace TSA Gold+ “to better harness the role of the private sector in delivering a safer, more secure, and more efficient aviation system”.Each initiative of this strategic vision is said to reflect the core philosophy Cummins brings to the agency.
“TSA does not have to choose between a secure checkpoint, an efficient checkpoint, and an elevated passenger experience,” said Cummins. “Through Horizon 25, TSA can, and will, deliver all three at once.”
NEW SECURITY PARTNER AT SFO
VMD Corp has been awarded a five-year contract to provide passenger and baggage screening services at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) under the Department of Homeland Security’s TSA Screening Partnership Program (SPP).
The award marks a major expansion of its aviation security footprint and reinforces the company’s position as a trusted partner in protecting the US’s critical transportation infrastructure.
VMD says by leveraging advanced screening technologies, highly trained personnel, and industry-leading operational practices, it will help safeguard millions of travellers each year while supporting the airport’s mission to provide a secure and seamless passenger experience.
In addition to passenger and baggage screening, VMD – an Xcelerate Solutions company – will oversee designated security areas and deliver specialised security training programmes designed to stay ahead of evolving threats in today’s dynamic aviation environment.
UPGRADING SECURITY OPERATIONS AT SOUTHWEST WYOMING REGIONAL AIRPORT
Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport (RKS) has modernised its security operations by introducing a platform from Genetec that brings video, surveillance, access control, licence plate recognition and communications into a single interface.
The airport selected Genetec’s Security Center platform as part of its terminal modernisation project to support future expansion, evolving Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements, and potential new carriers and destinations.
Introduced as part of a recently completed $43 million upgrade, airport leaders wanted to replace aging video surveillance and access control systems with an open and flexible platform that would allow them to expand security infrastructure without being locked into proprietary systems.
As a result, the RKS team now has full visibility across the airport terminal, weather station, fuel station, and Sweetwater Aviation facility.
This has allowed them to improve visibility across the airport, respond faster to incidents, and streamline day-to-day security management from one platform.
Devon Brubaker, airport director at Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport, enthused: “We might be a small airport, but this investment allows us to operate like a much larger one.”
PUNTA CANA DEPLOYS SEETRUE TECHNOLOGY
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in the Dominican Republic has deployed SeeTrue’s artificial intelligence platform to target the illegal movement of drugs and undeclared currency.
This new technology is part of the integrated checkpoint security solution at PUJ, recently deployed with Leidos, which includes the ClearScan checkpoint CT baggage scanner running these new AI-based threat detection algorithms.
“As a centre of excellence, Punta Cana has set a new standard for what checkpoint security can achieve,” enthused SeeTrue’s co-founder and CEO, Assaf Frenkel.
“This is a milestone not just for Punta Cana International Airport but for the global security screening industry.”
SCREENING UPGADE AT FIVE AOT GATEWAYS
The security checkpoints at five airports in Thailand are to be upgraded with state-of-the-art Rohde & Schwarz screening technology.
The airports, which include Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, will install R&S’s QPS201 machines, bring together advanced detection capabilities with efficient, intuitive procedures designed to benefit both passengers and staff.
The model uses millimetre wave technology and AI-based algorithms to identify prohibited items while keeping false alarm rates low.
The QPS201 achieved TSA qualification, approving it for use in US passenger security screening checkpoints and has achieved certification to TSA and European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) highest standards. There are more than 2,000 systems deployed in airports worldwide today.
Customer, Airports of Thailand (AOT), is said to have appreciated the performance, accuracy and speed of the QPS201.
