Australia's Melbourne Airport, Qantas Airways, Airports Council International (ACI), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) signed an agreement to work together to develop a Smart Security pilot program for delivery at Melbourne Airport in 2015.
Smart Security is a joint project between IATA and ACI that brings stakeholders together to facilitate the development of innovative solutions to shift today's security screening towards a more passenger friendly, sustainable and efficient process. Smart Security looks to achieve this by focusing resources based on risk, using advanced security screening technologies and promoting innovations in process. The agreement for Melbourne Airport is the fourth globally, following in the footsteps of Amsterdam Schiphol, London Heathrow and Doha's Hamad International Airports.
"ACI is looking forward to working with Melbourne Airport and Qantas in cooperation with IATA on the Smart Security pilot program. Having already trialed the program with three other airports, we're confident that this latest pilot will result in a more streamlined Smart Security, making it even easier to implement for airports and airlines, and further speeding the security screening process for passengers," said Angela Gittens, ACI's Director General.
2015 Pilot Program
The Smart Security team and Australian industry stakeholders believe the pilot program presents a great opportunity to see this industry-government collaboration in action. The Office of Transport Security, the Australian Government's transport security regulator, will be watching closely to make sure that as the proposal develops, industry obtains the relevant regulatory approvals and is consistent with the Australian Government's future approach to aviation security.
Melbourne Airport CEO, Chris Woodruff, said, "Improving security as well as the overall customer experience at Melbourne Airport are our priorities, and this initiative is aimed at both. We're excited to be working with IATA, ACI and Qantas and look forward to the pilot to deliver better results and a better experience for customers."
