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Front Lines is a guest viewpoint section offering perspectives on current issues and events from people working on the front lines of Canada's technology industry. Norm Kirkpatrick is conference CEO for the Canadian Aviation Security Conference.

By now the impact of 9/11 on our airports is clear. What may not be as obvious is how fundamentally aviation security has changed. Over the past five years it has evolved into a more complex process that requires the collaboration of many partners.

Our success to date is clear. Today Canada has one of the safest and most secure air transportation systems in the world. Nearly 37 million passengers a year are screened at our airports, along with 60 million pieces of luggage. More than 2,000 airport workers are screened daily. Moreover, as current Chair of the International Civil Aviation Organization, Canada plays a leading role in working with international partners to develop and share best practices in aviation security.

But just as businesses must anticipate the unexpected to stay competitive, so must security experts anticipate the unexpected to respond to the changing security environment. That means government and industry will continue to work together while harnessing the power of technology to ensure our aviation system remains resilient in the face of new and emerging terrorist threats.

On the front lines

Transport Canada and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) are two of the principal government bodies responsible for aviation security, in particular, screening of passengers and non-passengers, as well as their baggage. As regulator, Transport Canada creates regulations and measures specifying what needs to be screened and how it is to be screened. CATSA conducts the screening, or contracts CATSA-certified private companies to conduct the screening.

One of the most critical aspects of airport security is ensuring that screening officers have the tools they need to do their jobs effectively. The success of officers depends on their ability to recognize camouflaged explosives, guns or knives when they appear as x-ray images at the pre-board checkpoint.

Recently, CATSA launched a program that helps officers learn and refine the art of x-ray image recognition. X-Ray Tutor simulates images displayed on x-ray baggage screening machines. As the screening officers use the software, they become more adept and the program becomes increasingly complex. Besides being a part of their initial certification process, X-Ray Tutor is also part of each screening officer's ongoing professional development.

Partners are also helping CATSA restrict access to sensitive areas within our airports. One initiative in particular, the Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC) program, is worth noting. RAIC leverages biometric technology to ensure that only those airport workers who have a security clearance can enter restricted areas.

With two alternative biometric signatures — iris scanning and finger printing — the new card helps provide positive identification of individuals who have the required security clearances. This provides a real-time validation of the card-holder's identity, ensuring only those authorized to do so gain access.

RAIC is the first dual biometric program of its kind. Some 30,000 workers are currently enrolled. Once RAIC is fully implemented it will apply to over 120,000 airport employees, including pilots, fuelling operators, security staff, concessionaires and other airport workers.

The implementation of the RAIC program once again underscores how vital a role the private sector plays in aviation security, with companies such as HiD, Bioscrypt, LG, Unicom and IBM all making important contributions.

Cooperation is vital

Much has been accomplished since 9/11 and it is crucial that private and public sector organizations continue to work together. Transport Canada is always working to ensure Canadians have the best transportation system by developing and administering policies, regulations and programs for safe, secure and efficient travel, and efforts are being made to maintain and enhance important partnerships.

The Air Transport Association of Canada, which represents aircraft operators and manufacturers, is working with regulatory authorities to ensure the aviation industry remains competitive as new security solutions are put in place. The Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance, which represents thousands of technology firms across the country, is working to assist Canadian businesses in their participation of corporate, public and national aviation security issues. The Canadian Airports Council, the unified voice for Canada's airports, is providing a forum for airports to share information and develop best practices to continue promoting safe operations across the country.

But it takes a whole network of industry and government partners to ensure the implementation of new technologies is co-ordinated and effective.

As the need for innovation increases, government will continue to tap into private sector expertise to provide technology and Canada will continue to foster this collaboration. Together, our combined expertise will ensure that cutting edge tools like X-Ray Tutor and RAIC will continue to help keep travellers safe.

About the Canadian Aviation Security Conference

The 2006 Canadian Aviation Security Conference, themed Leading Change: Aviation Security Today and Tomorrow, will explore the changing world of aviation security and examine Canada's response to present and future aviation challenges, threats and security risks. It will focus on terrorism-related threats to our country's aviation system and national security, and the corresponding actions being taken by industry and government, as well as our international partners, to address the ongoing challenges posed by these threats. The Canadian Aviation Security Conference will be held at the Brookstreet Resort in Ottawa on March 29th and 30th, 2006. For more information about the conference, please visit: www.cata.ca/CanadianAviationSecurityConference/