Airport Fact Sheet
- 1.9 million passengers each day rely on U.S. airports for
business and leisure travel
- More than 38,000 tons of cargo pass through U.S. airports
each day
- The nation's airports generate $507 billion each year in
total economic activity
- The economic impact of airports on the labor market in the
U.S. is 6.7 million jobs (approximately 1.9 million jobs directly
related to airports and 4.8 million jobs indirectly created
in local communities)
- U.S. Airports generate $33.5 billion in local, state and
federal taxes
Source: Airports Council International
http://www.aci-na.org/docs/US_Econ_Impact.pdf
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Baggage
Screening Process
The deployment of explosive detection machines is a significant
element of the Transportation Security Administration’s
(TSA) effort to further strengthen U.S. aviation security. To
ensure that 100 percent of all checked baggage is screened for
explosives, the TSA has contracted with a team led by The Boeing
Company and Siemens Corporation to install 1,100 Explosives Detection
Systems (EDS) and up to 6,000 Explosives Trace Detection (ETD)
machines in the nation’s commercial airports. Together,
the team is studying passenger movement, airport architectural
and structural designs, as well as possible structural changes.
In addition, the team will train a minimum of 18,000 federal baggage
screeners.
Boeing has extensive experience integrating large, complex systems
and knows how to work efficiently with multiple suppliers worldwide.
The company also has an in-depth knowledge of the air transportation
system, and its team members bring other specialized strengths
to the program. Siemens, which has extensive expertise in baggage
handling systems and computed tomography imaging, will direct
the installation of the equipment. Siemens also will continue
to manage field service through a long-term support agreement.
The team’s approach is to work collaboratively with airports,
airlines, Federal Security Directors and other TSA officials to
develop effective checked baggage screening solutions for individual
airports for implementation by the end of 2002. The challenge
is to provide the most secure and efficient checked baggage screening
solutions within the time constraints established by Congress.
Because every airport terminal has different characteristics,
it is necessary to customize EDS-ETD configurations at each facility
to determine the most appropriate solution and ensure maximum
levels of customer service.
Therefore, the Boeing-Siemens team is incorporating in the planning
process an in-depth understanding of terminal facilities and passenger
characteristics. Many airports have already developed 100 percent
checked baggage screening plans and the team will review any plans
that are available.
Given the technical complexity of this challenge, the Boeing-Siemens
team is using state-of-the-art simulation models to help develop
and refine EDS-ETD concept plans and designs. Where airports may
have already prepared simulation models for EDS-ETD concepts,
that work is taken into consideration as a solution is formulated.
After the site assessment process, the EDS-ETD installation begins
with a TSA-approved concept plan, and construction starts immediately
following TSA approval of the final design and permitting. In
many cases, airports will see a mix of the two technologies. The
mix of EDSs and ETDs at specific airports depends on a variety
of factors such as peak bag loads, physical restrictions such
as weight and size, and the ability of the airport and carriers
to integrate EDS-ETD into the current baggage-handling system.
The current EDS equipment is the best technology certified today
by the Federal Aviation Administration to detect explosives. The
EDSs are automated, and use probing radiation -- currently Computed
Tomography (CT scan) technology -- to recognize explosives. ETDs
work by collecting samples and detecting vapors and residues of
explosives. The baggage screener collects samples, in most cases,
by rubbing a swab over the bag. The swab is then put into an analyzer
that can identify extremely low levels of explosive residue in
less than 10 seconds.
Together these two systems will make a major contribution to
providing maximum security at maximum efficiency with a minimum
inconvenience to travelers.
CONTACT: Boeing-Siemens Media Relations, (202) 264-7520 or (562)
797-4582.
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Security Checkpoint Upgrades
As part of its efforts to revamp airport security and protect
the safety of the traveling public, the Transportation Security
Administration converted passenger screening operations at all
airports to federal control. This involved new security measures,
upgrades of technology, and changes in passenger screening processes
that reduce risk and move people through airports quickly and
efficiently. The private screening workforce at airports was replaced
with federal workers, who receive advanced training and tools
to help safeguard aviation security. The government has enlisted
the help of industry to implement these changes, which together
will enhance the safety of travelers and instill confidence in
air travel.
TSA contracted with Lockheed Martin to help change the airport
environment and bring federal control to aviation security.
Passenger screening lanes at security checkpoints have been reconfigured
by Lockheed Martin to move travelers through the process efficiently
and safely. Screening equipment, such as metal detectors, x-ray
machines and hand wands have been upgraded or replaced.
The conversion of passenger screening operations began with an
assessment and detailed study of airport operations by a Lockheed
Martin team. Lockheed Martin assembled 142 teams that conducted
assessments at all airports, examining security processes, passenger
traffic flow and the challenges faced by the airport. The teams
determined the number of checkpoint lanes for conversion, assessed
equipment to be upgraded and suggested any other physical changes
needed at the airports.
From that site assessment, a redesign of the security checkpoint
was created in conjunction with the local airport officials and
Federal Security Directors. The Federal Security Directors provide
day-to-day operational leadership for the Federal security responsibilities
at U.S. airports. The designs are then reviewed and approved by
the TSA.
After securing local jurisdiction permits, such as electrical
and construction permits, for the work, the teams implemented
the redesign plans, including the addition of new security technologies.
Upon completion of the upgrades, the checkpoints meet TSA guidelines
under the requirements of the Aviation and Transportation Security
Act.
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