The Future of Aviation Security

October 24, 2022

As with all things safety-related, the need to adapt, evolve, and improve is constant. In the aviation security sector, operating under a principle of “no excuses” is a necessity; millions rely on airplanes to transport them for work and pleasure, and each and every single one of those passengers, flight attendants, and pilots deserve to feel secure as they traverse about the skies. 

Unfortunately, ensuring that safety can sometimes be challenging. Bad actors and accidents can conspire to ruin an otherwise perfect trip, which is why aviation security professionals must always be on guard, and proactive when it comes to mitigating threats. GCG Group is at the forefront of this initiative, and updates like the ones below will likely find their way into our practices in the near future. 

Technology supporting Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) has been a focus for many cutting-edge manufacturers as of late. This has resulted in various advancements that can quickly and accurately collect and analyze samples collected at airport checkpoints. This can take the form of direct contact sampling, non-contact vapor testing, and even detection through a variety of barriers. 

ETD typically takes place in the secondary screening portion of Alarm Resolution procedures—that is, when a passenger triggers something during during the initial checkpoint screening. While this is typically public-facing, plenty more is going on behind the scenes when it comes to ETD, and that’s where these next generation technologies are emerging. Increased device sensitivity, resolution, and expanded libraries of potentially dangerous traces have recently found their ways to international airports. 

Further developments will most likely be made in non-contact sampling, which can utilize handheld wands which use jets of air which can bounce off offending particles and report their presence back to the device—almost like sound waves. 

In addition to peace of mind, passengers demand efficiency. Currently, the trend for checkpoints themselves is to become more automated, by relying again on advances in technology. This also frees up aviation security staff to perform other necessary tasks. Checks will continue to evolve to be near-touch less, which is also preferred from a hygienic standpoint. 

GCG Group takes Aviation Security seriously, and will always strive to provide our partners with the highest quality staff and methodologies available. We look forward to these upcoming advancements in passenger safety!

To learn more about how our expertise in Aviation Security can help you, contact us today!