Travel Security Update

Oct 29, 2007

Shoes still used to conceal explosives. European officials last month discovered bomb detonators carried aboard a bus, hidden in the hollow soles of a pair of shoes. The use of shoes and other everyday objects to conceal explosives remains a concern for security screeners in the U.S., and the FBI sent out a bulletin reminding authorities to carefully examine such items. Oct 26, 2007

New machines make security simpler for travelers. A few airports are testing a new screening device that allows travelers to keep their laptops and liquids and gels in their carry-on bags as they pass through security. The new machines cost about $350,000 each and produce sharp images of what is inside a bag. Oct 25, 2007

IEEE calls for papers on homeland security technology. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers is seeking papers to be presented at its international conference in May. Technologies of interest include software security, CBRNE with a focus on transportation infrastructure, surveillance and risk assessment. Oct 24, 2007

The TSA has awarded a contract to Reveal Imaging Technologies for up to 40 of its Fusion security systems. The systems utilize X-rays and 3-D imaging and will be used to scan carry-on bags for weapons and contraband. The contract could be worth up to $80 million for two years Oct 24, 2007

Controversy builds over NASA's refusal to release safety survey data. Aviation experts and members of Congress assailed NASA yesterday, criticizing the agency for refusing to release the results of a telephone survey of 20,000 pilots. NASA officials told the Associated Press, which had requested the data, that the information could not be released because it could shake public confidence in the airline industry. A NASA spokesman yesterday said that denying the request on those grounds "was probably not the best thing to do." Oct 23, 2007

American Airlines, Bolivian Airport

American Passenger Held Over Bullets In Luggage In Bolivia. An American woman was briefly detained El Alto Airport in Bolivia after arriving on an American Airlines flight from Miami with 500 bullets in her luggage, the state news agency reported. News agency ABI said the woman, who it identified as Din Dona Thin, 20, had become nervous when taken to have her bags searched on arrival late on Wednesday, telling staff she was only carrying cheese. A Bolivian judge told reporters the American woman had been released on Thursday Oct. 18 because no offense had been committed under the country's laws. Citing the tight security at US airports, Zegarra said it was "incredible that she was able to pass through with luggage containing five boxes of bullets," ABI reported. It said the official had asked the airline for an explanation. A US Embassy spokeswoman confirmed in a statement that an American woman had been detained. "There was a lack of knowledge about current customs regulations in Bolivia," the statement said. Oct 22, 2007

Northwest Airlines, Detroit Metropolitan Airport

Northwest Airlines awarded the Jervis B. Webb Co. and Alberici Constructors a $29 million contract to install baggage handling, in-line explosive detection systems and related equipment at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The project, which also calls for updates to more than 1.2 miles of conveyors, is scheduled for completion by March 2009. Oct 24, 2007

ZZ

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