Airports Council International (ACI) and the International Air Transport Association (Iata) have signed an agreement to jointly develop a smart security solution to improve the journey from curb to boarding.

With the SmartS, passengers will be able to proceed through security checkpoints with minimal inconvenience, security resources are allocated based on risk, and airport facilities are optimised.

SmartS replaces the Checkpoint of the Future.  The name change reflects the start of a new phase of pilot testing involving first generation checkpoints.

Since 2012, components of the Checkpoint have been tested individually. Under SmartS, several components will be tested together to see how they interact with one another in an operational environment.  The renaming to Smart Security also signals the stronger ACI-Iata collaboration together with the strong participation of governments and other key industry stakeholders.

"Smart Security is the way forward.  A lot has been learned from the component tests conducted over the last two years. It forms the foundation for us to move confidently into the next phase of the development,” said Tony Tyler, Iata’s director general and CEO.

“The MoU with ACI on Smart Security will deliver synergies by drawing on the collective expertise and knowledge that both organizations have built over the years.”

Angela Gittens, director general, ACI World said: "A touch point in the passenger journey that triggers a sense of dread is the security check. Through Smart Security, ACI and Iata will drive the needed change.

“Airports, airlines, control authorities and system suppliers all have a role to play in making the process more effective, efficient and pleasant for the passenger. Smart Security brings these stakeholders together with the shared goal of transforming the security checkpoint for the benefit of all the traveling public.” – TradeArabia News Service