AAAE and ACI-NA urged TSA/DHS to test biometric credentials and biometric access control systems at airports based on a framework developed jointly by the two organizations.
The associations drafted the proposal in response to a July 2008 request from TSA that called for development of a common framework and best practices for airport biometric access control that enhance security in a cost-effective manner.
"We wanted to seize the opportunity to define the path forward for biometric-based credentials and access control systems at airports," said Mark Crosby, A.A.E., chief of public safety and security at Portland International and chair of AAAE's Transportation Security Services Committee, who worked closely with the staff of both associations to achieve agreement on the plan. "We want the migration to biometrics as part of airports' credentialing and access control systems to be airport-driven rather than TSA-mandated. The framework outlined in this paper will allow for a voluntary and cost-effective transition that preserves airport control and flexibility and builds off of existing processes."
The associations also said that TSA/DHS should fund the pilot programs and any efforts made to transition to biometric credentials and biometric access control systems at airports.
