Canadian Airport Association says Canada’s Airport Security & Facilitation Polices Must Adapt to Worldwide Change

Wednesday, March 29, 2006 -

Canadian Airport Association says Canada’s
Airport Security & Facilitation Polices Must Adapt to Worldwide Change

OTTAWA – Canadian Airports Council Chairman Jim Cherry today called on Canadian aviation security stakeholders to work more closely together to develop security systems that ensure air travel in Canada is both safe and pleasant. 

“By working in partnership, employing the latest technologies available, we can create a positive travelling experience for the passenger that is safe, secure and efficient for all concerned,” said Mr. Cherry, who was participating in a panel at the Canadian Aviation Security Conference (CASC) in Ottawa this week.  He noted that passengers’ transit through an airport can often make the difference between a pleasant travel experience and an unpleasant one.

“Passengers do not accept, and understandably so, long line-ups, bottlenecks and delays that are sometimes associated with these heightened security screenings, especially during peak travel times,” said Mr. Cherry.

Mr. Cherry cited the emergence of key technological innovations as of primary importance to improving passenger flow in the high-security environment that has been the hallmark of commercial aviation in Canada since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.  In particular, Mr. Cherry called for increased use of systems such as:

• Trusted Traveller Programs – Currently being tested in the U.S., Canada’s airports are working to introduce Trusted Traveller Programs in Canada that would enable frequent passengers to undergo an advance background security check in exchange for quicker security processing when they travel.
• CANPASS and NEXUS – These two programs enable frequent international travelers to register for quicker customs processing upon arrival in Canada.  The NEXUS program, operated in conjunction with the U.S., is being tested in Vancouver but the CAC would like to see it expanded to include other airports across Canada.
• Biometric Identification – Biometrics is being used for employee and passenger identification at Canadian airports, with excellent results.

“The message is clear:  Canada simply must invest in the technology that is already available to ensure both a secure and pleasant travel experience,” said Mr. Cherry.

Mr. Cherry also noted that the Winter Olympics in Vancouver are just four years away but represent an opportunity to demonstrate worldwide leadership in aviation security.

“While we have less than four years to prepare, 2010 is an opportunity for Canada to demonstrate that we can have the best of both worlds,” said Mr. Cherry.  “We need a safe, secure air travel environment, yes.  But we can also offer one that provides a positive travel experience.” 

About the Canadian Airports Council

The Canadian Airports Council (CAC) is the voice for Canada’s airports.  Its 45 members encompass 180 airports, including all of the National Airports System (NAS) airports and most significant municipal airports in every province and territory. Together, CAC members handle virtually all of the nation’s air cargo and international passenger traffic and 95% of domestic passenger traffic.  They create well in excess of $30 billion in economic activity in the communities they serve.  And more than 150,000 jobs are directly associated with CAC member airports, generating a payroll of more than $8 billion annually.