By Steven Vickers
A top security analyst is expected to launch a damning attack on airport security when he chairs the TranSec World Expo Aviation Security Conference in Amsterdam today.
Chris Yates, the Principal of Yates Consulting, believes that the current regulatory framework is stifling important advances in the global aviation security regime.
Speaking before the event, he said: “Six years on from the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington DC security is little better. The cosmetic changes, including the nonsensical ban on sharps which has now thankfully been lifted, the equally ridiculous present restriction on cabin baggage which should be lifted and the vaguely ludicrous limitation on the quantity of liquid, gel or paste products which gives rise to much confusion and ire amongst the travelling public, has and continues to cost this industry dear.”
He continued, “These cosmetic measures generate no appreciable gain in security and underscore the fact that regulators are devoid of answers to modern day threats”.
“These cosmetic measures generate no appreciable gain in security and underscore the fact that regulators are devoid of answers to modern day threats.”
Chris Yates, Principal of Yates Consulting
According to statistics from the International Air Transport Association, worldwide expenditure on airport security has risen by US$5.6 billion annually since September 11th 2001.
The IATA and Airports Council International have raised concerns that despite investment, national regulators have continued to thwart appropriate responses to the threats the industry faces. Instead they believe that the regulators are favouring a one size fits all policy which hurts passengers, airlines and airports.
Yates, who is also due to chair the expo’s workshop on biometrics and access control said, “Regulators must take onboard technological advances, harness those advances and deploy or require deployment accordingly.”
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