Security and Facilitation

IATA is working with governments, regulatory authorities, and other international organizations to implement a passenger security process that is based on a coherent regulatory framework and enhanced passenger facilitation.

Checkpoint of the Future

Although today’s one-size-fits-all passenger security screening process works, it comes at great cost to authorities, airlines, and passengers. Given the predicted growth in air travel—and continuously evolving security threats—this model is not sustainable in the long term.

IATA’s Checkpoint of the Future is a risk-based approach to security that will generate relevant screening processes according to what is known about the passenger.

The goals of the Checkpoint of the Future are:

• Strengthened security
• Greater operational efficiency
• An improved passenger experience

For further information about the project and participation in the working groups or trials, contact the Checkpoint of the Future team.

Passenger Data

More and more governments are requesting airlines to transmit passengers’ reservation or check-in information (PNR or API) for national customs, immigration or security purposes. While international standards exist, the cost of non-standard passenger data programs, in terms of IT development, data extraction, and transmission has risen to unacceptable levels in recent years.

As a result, IATA has an aggressive agenda for Facilitation and Passenger Data aiming to harmonize systems, set forward-looking standards, and educate countries on the existence of international standards.

Additional Security Initiatives

Other key projects within IATA’s security strategy include one-stop security—a process avoiding a second security screening for the 325 million passengers who transfer every year. IATA’s holistic approach is also evident in its Security Management Systems (SeMS). The core elements of SeMS are mandatory as part of IOSA registration. IATA is also supporting states as they integrate SeMS into their national regulations.

IATA is also heavily involved in cargo security through the Secure Freight project, which sets up a global end-to-end security solution for air cargo based on the supply chain.

Finally, to help its members address the serious issue of unruly passengers on board, IATA publishes Guidance Material on Unruly Passenger Prevention and Management (pdf), whose first edition came out in December 2012.

IATA offers a range of solutions for the industry's Security & Facilitation needs. Check our brochure (pdf) for more information.