Asia-Pacific Group Demands an End to ‘Security Theater’
AIN AIR TRANSPORT PERSPECTIVE » DECEMBER 3, 2012 by NEELAM MATHEWS The Asia Pacific Airlines Association, led by director general Andrew Herdman, wants a fundamental rethink of air transport security. December 3, 2012, 12:50 PM The Asia Pacific Airlines Association ( AAPA ) has called for a shake-up of aviation security management in the region, arguing that the current approach–accounting for 25 percent of total airport costs–is inadequate. “What we have today is nothing short of a ‘mistrusted traveler program’ with 100-percent enrollment,” said AAPA director general Andrew Herdman at the group’s 56th annual Assembly of Presidents last month. “Harsher critics have characterized current passenger screening procedures as ritualistic ‘security theater.’ We need a fundamental rethink [and] to break free of the current mindset that by default treats every passenger as a potential terrorist.” Herdman also ...