Security improves at Los Angeles International Airport

Airline Industry Information, Dec 15, 2004

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2004 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Los Angeles International Airport is improving security as counter-terrorism officials aim to protect aircraft from shoulder-launched missiles.

The authorities have reportedly said that there is no imminent threat to aircraft, but there has been a need to increase security due to recent attacks against commercial aircraft overseas added to the fact that the weapons are available on the black market.

John Miller, head of the Los Angeles Police Department's counter-terrorism bureau, told The Associated Press that the threat is very real and since there are some 20,000 of the weapons available on the black market, costing USD2,000 to USD3,000 each, there is no reason to believe that the same sort of attack will not be tried again. The new security measures reportedly include more helicopter surveillance, new perimeter fencing, stepping up patrols and additional training, which will help the authorities recognise such weapons.

Senator Barbara Boxer has proposed equipping commercial aircraft with lasers that destroy the infrared guidance sensors on portable missiles and this defence would reportedly cost an estimated USD1m for each aircraft. Such technology is already in use for C-17 military transport aircraft.

((Comments on this story may be sent to aii.feedback@m2.com))