Airports Council International (ACI) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have agreed to jointly to develop Smart Security (SmartS), a new technology solution aimed at strengthening security without inconveniencing passengers.
The two parties have signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to better align their resources and expertise to improve the journey from curb to boarding.
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IATA represents some 240 airlines comprising 84% of global air traffic, while ACI is the only global trade representative of the world’s airports.
With the new solution, security resources are allocated based on risk, and airport facilities are optimised.
IATA director general and CEO Tony Tyler said: "A lot has been learned from the component tests conducted over the last two years. It forms the foundation for us to move confidently into the next phase of the development.
"The MoU with ACI on Smart Security will deliver synergies by drawing on the collective expertise and knowledge that both organisations have built over the years."
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By GlobalDataACI World director general Angela Gittens said: "A touch point in the passenger journey that triggers a sense of dread is the security check. Through Smart Security, ACI and IATA will drive the needed change.
"Airports, airlines, control authorities and system suppliers all have a role to play in making the process more effective, efficient and pleasant for the passenger. Smart Security brings these stakeholders together with the shared goal of transforming the security checkpoint for the benefit of all the travelling public."
From 2014, under SmartS, several components will be tested together to evaluate how they interact with one another in an operational environment.
The tests will be carried out at Amsterdam Schiphol and London Heathrow airports, with the support and participation of their respective regulators and home carriers.
In 2014, the solution will focus on optimising the security screening resources and asset utilisation, integrating innovative technology and repurposing existing equipment, and implementing new procedures to facilitate risk-based screening and decision making.
SmartS replaces the Checkpoint of the Future, a security solution launched in 2011.
In 2012, IATA and ACI, together with several national regulators defined a roadmap for the future of passenger screening with blueprints for 2014, 2017 and 2020.
Between 2012 and 2013, individual components of Checkpoint of the Future were tested individually in airports to assess how they would work in an operational environment, including Geneva Airport, London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Amsterdam Schiphol.
