AirportBusiness Blogs

… well, perhaps not yet. Consider: The 9/11 attackers brought packaging knives; we banned them. The shoe bomber wanted to light his shoes; we banned lighters. Now, it’s liquids. The question is – in James Bond-esque terms – what happens when the terrorists figure out how to create clothing that can be detonated? Is it unrealistic to think that if we can make plastics explode, and liquids, it’s only a matter of time until clothing can be woven with the right mix to facilitate bringing down an airliner? 

The point is not that reacting to these threats is frivolous. It’s vital. But we have to come up with a new way of approaching the problem. It’s 2006, and we’re still trying to install in-line luggage screening systems mandated in 2001. The terrorists, meanwhile, continue to grab any new technology or formula they can, and we’re forced to react. We’re thinking about how to redesign terminals – with some trepidation — and they’re moving on to new threats. While much of the solution rests with geopolitics, for airports the answer lies with a new paradigm. Something that facilitates movement, accommodates passengers and airlines, but is flexible enough to adapt to the next emerging threat. The answer isn’t here, but the question is.  The industry most likely faces a whole new regimen when it comes to processing the customer. The time has come for an entirely new way of addressing how we react … and maintain daily security and through-put. After 9/11, airports objected that they were not consulted. One hopes it is now apparent that we need all minds working on this one. Thanks for reading.  jfi