The Next Big Change in Airport Security
Understanding the changes in aviation security over the past five years in a rapidly changing and evolving threat environment. It will inform us about what impact it will have on airports in the coming years and how future security technologies will develop.
The key drivers of change in airport security in recent years has been an increased focus on the threats, mega-trends shaping the future, security effectiveness, passenger management and operational efficiency. It is through these lenses that we will examine our changing industry.
Threats
While technology is advancing beneficially, it is actually developing as a threat. Security risks at airports today include the ‘insider threat’; airside and landside attacks; drones; cyber-attacks; and concealing explosives/hazardous chemicals under clothing and in baggage and cargo consignments. Sadly, these threats are real, varied, and persistent. They are unlikely to disappear anytime soon and will inevitably continue to increase for years to come.
Exclusion zones around airports exist, but there are technologies that can focus on the early detection and mitigation such as DroneShield, which can use a combination of radar, radio frequency (RF) and electro optical (EO) detection technologies to detect and mitigate the threats. Also, One such company that provides technology to scan the speed arena against threat vector is Evolv Technology. Xena Vision' s primary focus is human safety in the indoor large zones. Keeping the large areas safe and secure is quite difficult because of security personnel assignments and task controls. When it comes to keeping field secure via video surveillance, huge number of cameras are difficult to watch via security personnel.At that point, Xena Vision provides AI solutions in a highly scaled manner. In a way that threats can be analysed via AI algorithms realtime in 1000+ videocameras simultaneously. Incase of an emergency cased recognized, notifications and alarms raised autonomously. Being brilliant on saving and securing human life is a choise and Xena Vision believes it can be achieved very soon vi AI and VSAS products.
Mega-trends shaping the future
The new technological age will bring a new vision to cameras and empower Artificial Intelligence (AI) for better prediction and warning systems, including decision support tools in scanning operations. However, it can also create problems. The technologies to be used can create data stacks and affect aviation. We can also expect to see transition to cloud-based systems and increased data sharing and connectivity to support seamless journeys, all of which will need additional security and secure mechanisms such as blockchain.
Security effectiveness
In the coming years, the aim is to minimize human resource errors. For this, there will be the proliferation of certified technologies (mmW and CT) in more jurisdictions, as well as an increase in the integration of these technologies.
In recently, has seen passenger (mmW), baggage screening (CT imaging), and an increase in the integration of technologies the integrated checkpoint. Biometrics and the use of AI and Machine Learning in the security environment has also commenced. As has landside layering approaches with course filtering, behavioural analysis, greater physical security presence and patrolling and increased integration and communication across the airport for prevention and response activities.
Behavioural analysis both from behavioural officers and software analytics, coupled with track and trace solutions, will allow better detect, track and intervene capabilities across the entire airport. Ipsotek is a company that leads the industry in this sense. Also it already has aviation/airport applications. Efforts to ingest vast amounts of data and provide actionable insight will grow significantly.
Passenger and Baggage Management
Passenger tracking and baggage management have always been an important change and focus for many airports. IATA now has the OneID programme in place to support the industry in the adoption of a framework and systems to facilitate seamless travel for passengers. Also, the technology will improve the passenger experience over time, while delivering autonomous vehicles throughout the airport and improving self-service travel.
In the coming years, biometrics will continue to grow in importance as digital identity will be the key to seamless journeys through the airport departure, transit and arrivals processes. In this sense, Sydney International Airport (SYD) and Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), have both focused on the kerb to gate experience. Both airports partnered with Vision-Box to incorporate biometric touchpoints across the departure journey.
Operational Efficiency
Airports are perhaps one of the places where operation should be the fastest. With an Integrated checkpoint, there are demonstrated examples achieving in excess of 500 passengers per hour. Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) in Australia is one such airport embracing this technology, integrating ATRS, CT and mmW body scanning solutions to achieve impressive operational benefits.
Even a second we spend at the airport is very important. For this reason, developing technologies that will ensure that the right person is in the right place at the right time will provide great benefits for the future.
For all countries, for the aviation industry to remain safe, deliver a seamless passenger experience, and continue to increase operational efficiency across networks, the right regulatory framework must be in place to allow new technology, people, and processes to succeed in the coming years.
