CONTACT: Caleb Tiller | 703-684-0836 ext. 38
Alexandria, VA (July 7, 2004) – National Business Travel Association (NBTA) President and CEO Carol A. Devine, CCTE, spoke on behalf of NBTA, corporate travel managers and business travelers at today’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) launch of the Registered Traveler Pilot Program at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) in conjunction with Northwest Airlines. The event kicked off program designed to test expedited security screening at airports for travelers who register and take part in a pre-screening process.
At MSP, an approved registered traveler will now be able to enter a designated checkpoint lane where identity will be confirmed using biometric information -- either a finger or an iris scan. While registered travelers and their carry-on bags will still go through primary screening, the program will largely eliminate more time-intensive secondary screening for participants. The test program will expand over the next several weeks to Los Angeles International Airport with United Airlines, George Bush Intercontinental Airport/Houston with Continental Airlines, Boston Logan International Airport with American Airlines and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport with American Airlines.
During the press conference, Devine said:
“The launch today of the Registered Traveler Pilot Program shows the commitment of the Department of Homeland Security, the Transportation Security Administration, and the travel industry to the ideals of strong security and efficient screening.
“When the testing period is over, we hope to see the implementation of a permanent Registered Traveler program operating on a fully voluntary basis that speeds the screening process for all travelers, particularly frequent business travelers.
“Improving the travel security experience will make travel more attractive, easier, and more efficient, which will make our businesses, our economy, and our country even stronger. I look forward to working with TSA, the airports and the airlines on this program as it develops, as well as on other initiatives in the future.”
The National Business Travel Association is the source for critical information on the business travel industry. For more than 35 years, NBTA has dedicated itself to the professional development of its members through advocacy, education and training, and networking opportunities. NBTA represents over 2,400 corporate travel managers and travel service providers, who collectively manage and direct more than $170 billion of expenditures within the business travel industry.
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