...sentiment in airport security circles -- the technology exists, so why isn't it being used? The invitation-only conference brought together the major players -- airport operators, consultants, and technology companies (who also sponsored the conference) -- to share their experiences.

Keynote speaker Charles Slepian, founder and CEO of the Foreseeable Risk Analysis Center, says it is up to airport operators to take the lead on security advances. "Your industry is under attack," Slepian says. "You've got to be more vocal. You've got to be more willing to think out of the box."

Mark Denari, director of aviation security and public safety at San Diego Regional Airport Authority, agrees. "We are on our own in so many ways," Denari says. "We're left to our own devices to meet these federal regulations to somehow detect, prevent, deter."

However, waiting around for federal regulations and mandates is not the best approach, Denari says. "The federal government is going to do anything except encourage us. The enterprise is solely on the airport operator to make those moves."

Comments Slepian, "I have heard very little from the government in regard to the problem of aviation security except to condemn a failure that takes place in the airport. There is no proactive thinking coming from Congress. There's been no proactive thinking coming from the executive branch."

Slepian says the government's solution is to just throw money at the problem. "They're able to get away with it because the public is ignorant. A demonstration project by Flir or Siemens, with the proper P.R. and media coverage on what you can do to change what exists, is a good first step. Because TSA is not going to do it on its own.

"If the public demands it, the government will legislate it. And so, demonstration projects are really what you need."

"We live in a time now where if we don't take a risk, we're not going to derive a benefit," Slepian says. "Take the risk. Ask for it, monitor it, and don't be afraid to comment on it if it doesn't come...

NOTE: All illustrations and photos have been removed from this article.



Looking for additional articles?
Search our database of over 3 million articles.

Looking for more in-depth information on this industry?
Search our complete database of Industry & Market reports by text, subject, publication name or publication date.

About Goliath
Whether you're looking for sales prospects, competitive information, company analysis or best practices in managing your organization, Goliath can help you meet your business needs.

Our extensive business information databases empower business professionals with both the breadth and depth of credible, authoritative information they need to support their business goals. Whether it be strategic planning, sales prospecting, company research or defining management best practices - Goliath is your leading source for accurate information.