Regina, August 27, 2009 – The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) unveiled a pilot project at Regina International Airport today that could lead to faster and more effective passenger screening. CATSA will test and compare different security checkpoint setups and procedures in the airport’s pre-board screening area. The 14-week trial, which started on August 26, will help identify new strategies to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of security screening operations.
“CATSA is always looking for ways to enhance the passenger experience by making airport security screening as quick and convenient as possible,” said Yves Duguay, Senior Vice-President, Operations, CATSA. “This pre-board screening trial will give us an opportunity to put innovative ideas to the test in real-life situations, and to gather valuable input from screening personnel as well as the travelling public.”
In addition to the great spirit of collaboration that exists between CATSA and the Regina Airport Authority (RAA), the airport’s pre-board screening configuration also contributed to its selection for the pilot project.
“This further partnering of CATSA and RAA demonstrates and confirms the excellent relationship the two entities already share, said Jim Hunter, President and CEO of the RAA. “We are pleased to have been chosen to participate in this important trial, and we look forward to helping CATSA improve its methods and procedures with an eye to easing the airport security experience for the traveling public.”
The pilot project involves four phases, each of which will introduce gradual modifications to two of Regina International Airport’s four passenger screening lanes. The changes include new procedures for passengers who set off the metal detector alarm, new pat-down techniques, larger X-ray bins, and different locations and roles for screening personnel.
CATSA will actively engage the passengers during the trial. They will play a key role in the success of the project. Travellers going through pre-board screening will be encouraged to be more thorough when they load their belongings into the X-ray bins before going through the metal detector. CATSA hopes to reduce alarm rates and speed up the screening process for everyone by educating travellers about the most common causes of metal detector alarms, including shoes and boots, belts, keys, coins, cell phones, PDAs, foil gum and cigarette wrappers and other pocket contents.
The pilot project will also incorporate CATSA’s Pack Smart campaign, which was launched last year to inform passengers about what they can do to avoid unnecessary delays at airport security checkpoints.
Once the trial is completed on December 1, CATSA will evaluate the results before making any decisions about changes to screening operations.
For more information on the pre-board screening experience and packing tips, visit www.catsa.gc.ca and or call 1-888-294-2202.
For more information, please consult the background material.
CATSA, established on April 1, 2002, is a federal Crown corporation that operates on a not-for-profit basis. It is responsible for the provision of key aviation security services such as pre-board screening of passengers and their belongings; random screening of non-passengers; and the acquisition, deployment and maintenance of explosives detection equipment at airports. CATSA is also responsible for the development and implementation of a restricted area identity card incorporating biometric features.
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For more information:
CATSA Communications
Mathieu Larocque
Direct: 613-998-4527
Cell: 613-291-7496
mathieu.larocque@catsa.gc.ca
