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."
"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.