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New measures at Heathrow airport for passenger-friendly security
DB News: 15/07/2011 - 14:15
Under proposed changes, operators will be required to deliver a series of security outcomes where they can devise more tailored, individual and passenger-friendly processes
Heathrow airport has announced a trial of new measures, including a smarter, more effective and more passenger-friendly airport security regime for all UK airports.
Other measures set out in the final report by the Government's South East Airports Taskforce could see passengers using the airport and communities around it benefit from reduced delays, less stacking and fewer unscheduled flights.
Set up to identify operational improvements at the UK's three busiest airports, the South East Airports Taskforce included representatives from airlines, airport operators, regulators and other interests.
The Government announced its intention to change the way aviation security is regulated in October, and has published proposals for consultation. Over recent years, the regulation of aviation security has been largely focused on a series of prescriptive security processes which airport operators are required to follow.
Under the proposed changes, operators will instead be required to deliver a series of security outcomes, which will give them flexibility to devise more tailored, innovative and passenger-friendly processes to achieve the required outcomes.
Drawing on the highly successful approach taken to aviation safety, these reforms are expected not just to maintain today’s high levels of security, but to enhance them by embedding and encouraging a culture of improvement in the methods of delivering security.
Trials of the new measures will be run over the autumn and next summer and will be overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority. Trials will involve BAA working closely with local residents to ensure transparency, take account of their views and monitor the impact of such operations on those communities nearest the airport.
Aviation Minister Theresa Villiers said: "Trialling these changes will allow their benefits and impacts to be assessed and there will be extensive engagement and consultation with local communities before any decision is taken on whether to make the changes permanent."