Q: With respect to aviation security, to what extent do you feel that we have found the correct balance between technology and human factors?


Andy Blackwell, Head of Aviation Security, Virgin Atlantic:


Historically the industry has been heavily focused on technological solutions but it is increasingly acknowledged that human factors play a key role in helping to ensure the integrity of aviation security. Whether it be Behavioural Detection deployed to support more conventional security methods, or the


development of positive security ‘cultures’ within organisations, the more holistic and flexible a security programme is then the greater the chance of it being robust. We need to be as innovative in our approach to security as those seeking to harm aviation and this involves considering technology, human factors and other forms of detection, disruption and deterrent. The more we understand about the methods terrorists use to attack their targets, the greater the opportunity we have of adapting our security defences and getting the balance right. This is a dynamic process requiring industry and government stakeholders working in partnership to create appropriate solutions.


Uwe Karl, Head of Airport Solutions, Siemens:


Effective airport security is about striking the right balance between the human element and the contribution to be made by technology. A good example is CCTV where research has shown that after approximately 12 minutes of continuous viewing of two or more monitors, operators can miss up


to 45% of scene activity. By employing intelligent software algorithms, potential security threats can be automatically detected and the operator’s attention therefore focused on when and where it is needed. Similarly, in emergency situations Command and Control systems can provide personnel with specific instructions to follow, an invaluable asset in ensuring a swift and consistent response which has been thought through outside the stresses of the actual emergency itself. In some instances, complete automation of a process can be achieved, but in the majority it is about recognising the limitations of the human senses and how technology can supplement and, importantly, enhance them.


Georgina Graham, Airports Council International:


Recently I decided to bake a cake! A rare event for me, but nonetheless I was excited about the outcome, wondering what would perfectly complement my Victoria Sponge! My mind was wondering so much that I forgot to add the sugar. The cake still looked like a cake, but until I tasted it, I didn’t realise my error. In aviation security terms, the right ingredients are also needed in order to reach the best possible outcomes in terms of detection and deterrence and overall prevention of acts of unlawful interference. Technology, whilst extremely valuable


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is not a panacea to all ills. Human factors are considerably important, and I am not convinced that we yet have the correct balance between these two approaches. The aviation security cake needs the right amount of data/intelligence plus detection using technology with more than a dash of human intervention to ensure the safety and security of the air transport system.


Adan Morik, Sales & Marketing Director, I-SEC International Security B.V.:


Companies in today’s aviation security industry are presented with increasingly efficient technology resources. For example, screening machines at security checkpoints are becoming more efficient than ever, and there are profiling systems available which are based solely on computer analysis. However, there is one


major shortcoming to the efficiency of these technologies: the lack of human interaction. Most screening machines can only detect explosives. Likewise, the latest computer-based profiling systems cannot analyse human behaviour, look into a person’s eyes, read their body language, or examine their attitude - they cannot detect intention. In today’s threat environment, security providers are becoming increasingly aware of the limitations of these technology resources. Much more needs to be done in terms of further enhancing security systems through the smart integration of technology and human factors. For profiling systems, one way to increase efficiency could be to utilise computer analysis and behavioural observation techniques in order to differentiate passengers based on their profile data. Using this information, security agents would be able to focus their attention on the passengers identified as “high-risk”. In the end, no matter how advanced technology resources become, security companies must thrive to create security systems that are the best of both worlds.


Mike Horne, Managing Director, AD Aerospace Ltd.:


Both technology and human factors have a part to play, and the correct use of technology is to enhance and assist with decisions made by people. At AD Aerospace, specialising in security aboard commercial aircraft, we are well aware of the human factors involved, and provide intelligent video camera systems


which are used as an everyday tool by the flight crew in their efforts to maintain safety and security in the passenger cabin. Specifically, technology can assist by allowing the flight crew to recognise the cabin crew before allowing them access to the flight deck. The worrying thing to me as a frequent passenger is that on too many aircraft, security is maintained purely by human factors such as "secret knocks" and the use of the interphone and I would like to see the use of technology being universally adopted across the world.


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