IE 11 Not Supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

Risk-Based Employee Screening Program To Strengthen Aviation Security

Multi-layered, risk-based employee screening system being pilot tested.

Airports Council International -- North America (ACI-NA) President Greg Principato testified before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection to stress the importance of a multi-layered, risk-based employee screening system to enhance the safety and security of U.S. airports.

Principato emphasized that airports have an effective regime in place to screen individuals with access to secured areas including extensive FBI background checks, checks against the federal terrorist watch lists and security threat assessments; access control systems; and initial and recurrent security training for employees. In addition, all U.S. airport employees are subjected to Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Aviation Direct Access Screening Program (ADASP) which entails random security checks to provide an effective deterrent to both criminal and terrorist activities.

"Each day, airports work to ensure that our facilities are safe and secure for passengers and employees," said Principato. "We are now working with TSA to develop a six-point pilot program which will utilize the risk-based approach for even more robust employee screening. Airport employees work in an environment that is very different than the passenger areas, necessitating different measures that address potential security vulnerabilities."
The program would be pilot tested to assess the improvement in aviation security, the impact on airport and airline operations and the costs of the program. Assuming Congress appropriates the necessary funds to implement the plan, further deployment could then occur.
"This risk-based program, developed collaboratively by airports, airlines and the TSA, will enhance security of the traveling public by strengthening employee screening while appropriately using resources across the industry," Principato added.