ATA calls for wider use of Computer Assisted Passenger Screening programme

Airline Industry Information, Oct 3, 2001

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2001 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

The US Air Transport Association (ATA), a trade group representing US airlines, has called for the introduction of a new Computer Assisted Passenger Screening (CAPS) programme.

The programme would mean that all passengers are screened, not just those who check in baggage. CAPS can also be used to analyse reservation information using passengers' travel patterns and destinations, and pinpoint people for further checking, according to Reuters.

Carol Hallet, president of ATA, told a meeting of the Travel Industry Association of America on 2 October, "In our hearts, we know that the failure to use the CAPS techniques on those who were boarding those planes with carry-on alone... may be directly responsible for the events of 11 September."

Hallet stated that whilst the CAPS programme was controversial, the recent terrorist attacks should mean that airlines "use all methods available to us to ensure the safety of our passengers and crews, or we can yield to those who cry that screening and other tools are unfair and discriminatory."

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