Access Control
& Security Systems

A survey conducted among airport executives that attended the 74th annual conference of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) last week in Dallas reveals that an overwhelming majority (78 percent) believe that Congress should extend the December 31, 2002, deadline that mandates all airports and airlines screen checked luggage for explosives.

The survey also asked what issue should top the TSA's agenda and nearly half (49 percent) said it should focus on providing a stable set of rules and procedures. This was followed closely by 37 percent who said adequate funding for airport security should be the top priority.

"I'm certain the nation's airports will continue to support the efforts of the TSA in the challenges it faces," says Jeff Fegan, CEO of DFW International Airport, which hosted the conference. "I think the survey results indicate airport directors want security that is done right the first time with a set of procedures we can all support."

Sixty-three percent indicated that the most important issues facing airports today are the new security initiatives, but only 31 percent of the respondents listed "increased security" as their top concern when they themselves are traveling.

"It's evident to our travelers that airport security is much better now than it's ever been, and we believe it will continue to improve as the TSA rolls out its initiatives across the country," says Fegan.

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• The Framework For Open Systems
• On A Higher Plane
• More from April's issue