Security Methods Seeing Constant Revisions to Adapt to Ever-Changing Threat  Landscape

Rapt listening and active interaction took turns at the North American Aviation Security Dialogue session on Tuesday moderated by Lance Lyttle, Managing Director, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and with speakers Victoria Newhouse, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Policy, Plans and Engagement , Transportation Security Administration, and  Chris Phelan, Vice President, Government and Industry Affairs, Canadian Airports Council.  Following the security summaries presented by both Newhouse and Phelan, attendees were quick to raise their hands to pose specific questions related to either U.S. or Canadian security threats and what’s being done about them.

“What keeps me up at night are the security concerns we have, particularly going through the security checkpoints,” exclaimed Lyttle.

Newhouse did her best to alleviate everyone’s concerns by sharing multiple TSA initiatives either in the works, going through pilot-testing or just making their appearance on the drawing board. She mentioned a new program that matches a traveler’s face to the documents inserted and testing in progress of using a third-party for canine cargo screening. Plus, she brought up Real ID, which will go into effect Oct. 1, 2020. “We will work with all of you to understand the landscape in your states,” she said. And on a broader scale, “We cannot get this mission accomplished without all of your partnerships.”

Phelan outlined some of the current conditions in Canada, as related to the government, Transport Canada and CATSA. In addition, he shared timely news related to current successes, from increased one-stop security agreements for international travelers to progress made on the preliminary background checks for airport employees while they wait for their full security clearance. “That is a really good idea that is coming to fruition,” said Phelan. He also touched on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and the Blue Ribbon Task Force and modernizing the NEXUS program so it is completely biometric.