Safe Passage Security Training Blog

Today’s passenger and cabin baggage screening process is functional and airports manage to get by, but it is not sustainable in the long run given the industry’s predicted growth. The current screening model is inefficient and comes at the cost of many within the industry including airlines and passengers. For the past few years, several airports have shifted their attention to Smart Security solutions to handle the screening of passengers and their belongings.

Smart Security is a joint initiative of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airports Council International (ACI). Its goal is to streamline the passenger journey from curb to airside. The idea of Smart Security has been around for a few years now and the industry is just now able to implement these ideas into practical solutions without sacrificing safety and security.

Suicide bombings can occur anywhere. When we hear about them, they typically occur in North African countries or the Middle East region. One of the latest attacks occurred in Kabul, Afghanistan on the morning of May 31 in the city’s diplomatic quarters, killing at least 90 people and injuring more than 400.

At times, they occur in Asian or Western regions such as the attack in Manchester, UK which occurred shortly after a concert concluded on May 22, killing 22 and injuring dozens. In another incident just two days later, a pair of suicide bombers killed three police officers outside a bus terminal in Jakarta, Indonesia.

No one can tell where and when a suicide bomber will strike. That’s why incidents like these are such a shock and difficult to cope with. It does not matter where in the world you are, it’s clear that the threat of the suicide bomber has grown greater and become more widespread.

For years terrorists have called on followers, affiliates, and sympathizers to use any means necessary to harm those who do not follow their ideals. For those who are unable to build their own bombs or acquire the necessary weapons to carry out attacks, the use of vehicles has been recommended to cause damage and harm people.

We’ve seen it time and time again. Terrorists and lone wolfs drive trucks, lorries, and other vehicles through large crowds, injuring and killing the defenseless. It’s an ugly terrorism tactic that has gained momentum in the past few years. Even in just the last few months, we’ve witnessed a handful of these vehicle attacks worldwide. Let’s look back at the most recent incidents and discuss this new terrorism trend of using vehicles as a weapon.

Released November 2016, the fourth edition of the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) generated by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) continues to analyze key global terrorism trends and patterns for 163 countries. Raw data is derived from the Global Terrorism Database which is considered to be the most comprehensive dataset on terrorist activity, with over 150,000 terrorist incidents documented worldwide.

This most recent edition of the terrorism index puts an emphasis on a 16-year time frame beginning in 2000 through the end of 2015. As defined by the GTI, terrorism is “the threatened or actual use of illegal force and violence by a non-state actor to attain a political, economic, religious, or social goal through fear, coercion, or intimidation.” Here’s a summary of the latest global terrorism trends, facts, and figures.

By the end of 2016, over 3.7 billion passengers will travel this year. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), forecasts for 2035 will nearly double at 7.2 billion air passengers travelling in a single year.

The biggest driver of air travel demand is expected to be the Asia-Pacific region whereby more than half of aviation’s new passengers will come from over the next 20 years. A key concern for the aviation industry is that the region’s current infrastructure will not be able to keep pace with the forecasted passenger growth. In fact, some runways and airport terminals in the region are approaching capacity limits or already over capacity. Any plans for building new airport infrastructures must happen soon.

If it seems as though terrorism has been on the rise these past few years, it has. Terror attacks have spread to more countries than ever and innocent, private citizens are increasingly becoming targets. When terrorism strikes, it undeniably leaves a lasting impact on the nation and its people.

In the third edition of the Global Terrorism Index for 2015, the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) collected data from the Global Terrorism Database to determine key global trends and patterns in terrorism over the past 15 years, with an emphasis on 2014. Let’s take a look at these global terrorism trends, facts, and figures.

Aviation is an extraordinary industry powered by the cooperation of countless companies and people. Many of these same people aspire to keep air transport safe and running smoothly.

Unfortunately though, aviation has always been a target for those wanting to bring attention to their own cause by carrying out harm to the industry. It’s only a matter of time before the next attack or attempt occurs. That’s why the aviation industry must always be vigilant of the following threats.

The United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union, popularly known as Brexit (British Exit), was decided on June 23^rd 2016. More than 33 million people came out to vote on the referendum with 51.9% voting in favor of the change.

The UK now needs to notify the EU of its intention to formally leave by filing under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. Finalization of this separation could take up to 2 years or more. How will Brexit impact the aviation industry in the short and long run?

There are many threats that exist in our world. One of which is terrorism. Terrorism is the use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political, social, or criminal gains. International terrorism and domestic terrorism both fall under this umbrella.

Recently though, it seems as if domestic terrorism has been on the rise. We hear more and more about homegrown terrorists causing devastation within their own nation. The threat is all too real and it’s happening right here in your own country.

Airports operate multiple checkpoints for the different items and people passing through. These checkpoints aim to keep threats, drugs, and prohibited items out of secure areas. Perhaps the most recognizable airport screening checkpoint is one experienced by travelers firsthand – the passenger screening and cabin baggage screening (CBS) checkpoint. This checkpoint processes millions of passengers daily and as a result, collects a fair amount of prohibited items. Let’s examine some commonly confiscated items seized by airport security at the passenger checkpoint.