Especially if you're a frequent business traveler, airport safety and security is an issue of prime importance. This is particularly true in light of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, recent cutbacks of airport services and flights, and a growing influx of traveler numbers. Airport protection technology developments, however, aim to meet these challenges at airports throughout the country and worldwide.

Areas of security technology development include:

1. Aircraft approach and landing safety
2. Wildlife hazard control
3. Threat and error management in air traffic control
4. Airport security check at gateways
5. Airport cargo security and management – effective design of baggage and cargo flow is essential for monitoring security and airport employee theft

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find out how airport security regulations are dealing with aircraft approach and landing issue

Negative airport safety statistics include aircraft accidents due to badly constructed and designed runway systems as well as from nearby and on-site airport wildlife hazards

I recommend: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website includes in-depth runway airport safety information along with its extensive runway safety call-to-action aimed at airport administrators. Also see the FAA Wildlife Hazard Mitigation page, addressing airborne dangers such as bird strikes. Flight Safety Foundation, an international nonprofit organization, offers extensive information on ground accident prevention at airports. European technology giant Siemens sells "products, solutions, & services" aimed at controlling airport ground movement.

Learn about airport protection threats and error management systems for air traffic controllers

Airport air traffic system breakdowns as well as human error are also among chief causes of airport safety issues related to aircraft landing disasters and mid-air collisions.

I recommend: Flight Safety Foundation also offers in-depth resources aimed at approach-and-landing accident reduction (ALAR). Its ALAR Tool Kit addresses pilot-air traffic controller communication issues. Siemens also sells airfield lighting along with its tower control and communication management technologies.

Find out about airport security rules and gateway technology measures

Because of terrorist threats, the necessity of effective passenger and baggage flow design is crucial along with airport security rules and regulations.

I recommend: The U.S. Transportation Security Administration has domestic traveler tips for the gateway airport security check process. At the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website, you can learn about the US-VISIT Program, a streamlined airport security screening process aimed at frequent foreign travelers to and from the United States. DHS also has Trusted Traveler Programs that expedite travel for pre-approved low-risk travelers crossing the U.S., Canada, and Mexico borders. Corporate Travel Safety sells traveler products that make the airport security screening process easier.

Find out about airport security screening for managing and protecting airport baggage and cargo

Effective design of cargo flow is essential for airport security screening and monitoring airport baggage and cargo as well as tracking airport employee theft.

I recommend: For travelers, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends two passenger anti-theft luggage lock products. Corporate Travel Safety sells a wide variety of luggage security products. For airport administrators, Siemens sells baggage management and cargo movement systems for airport drug detection and other precautions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Bird strikes are among the chief causes of airborne plane accidents due to poor airport security rules regarding well-designed wildlife area controls in and around airports.