On 28 June 2017, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced new enhanced security measures as an alternative to global restrictions on the carriage of large portable electronic devices (PEDs) in the cabin on flights to the U.S.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Directives and Emergency Amendments have now been issued directly to the 180 affected airlines.
A high-level description of the measures are as follows:
· There will be a phased introduction between 21 and 120 days of enhanced security measures at 280 last point of departure (LPD) locations, across 105 countries and 180 airlines. The enhanced measures will involve a combination of overt and covert measures.
· Within 21 days, each location will be required to have explosive trace detection (ETD) technology in place at the central search and/or boarding gate applied in a continuous and random manner. Those locations that do not meet this requirement within the 21 days will face either a PED ban or suspension of flights to the U.S.
· Airlines that are impacted by the existing PEDs restrictions will be able to request that TSA remove those restrictions based on their meeting the new security requirements.
· Within 120 days, all foreign carriers with U.S. operations will be required to make security program changes in line with U.S. carrier standards. This will include training, passenger questioning, and oversight of aircraft security.
· Further information can be found here.
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2017/06/28/...-united-states
IATA is pleased that DHS has agreed not to pursue a broad PED plan in favor of alternative security measures that we believe are globally more effective in addressing short and longer term security threats. We also are encouraged by DHS’s decision to provide a path to the removal of the existing PED restrictions. We continue to communicate that DHS and affected host states must work together to ensure equitable implementation of the enhanced measures between authorities, airports, and airlines. We will work with DHS to ensure that airline costs and operational impacts are minimized.
The DHS enhanced measures are consistent with the current form of ICAO’s Global Aviation Security Plan as well as emerging standards regarding the use of screening technology for explosives.