The International Air  Transport Association (IATA) has reiterated that the security of passengers and employers is a top priority for the aviation industry.

As a result, IATA has urged the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to partner with the industry to identify the most effective and efficient ways to address the evolving security challenge in light of the foiled  terrorist plot to down a Detroit – bound aircraft.

In a letter to the Homeland Security Secretary Napolrtano in Geneva recently, the Director General and Chief Executive  Officer, Giovanni Besignam has expressed his appreciation to the swift reaction of DHS to maintain the confidence of the flying public and airline employees.

He maintained the need for short-term temporary and extra-ordinary security measures until the immediate threat has abated.

But he cautioned Secretary Napolatano that long-term solutions must include improved technology and effective risk assessment  techniques.

According to Borynani, the air transport system cannot support 100 per cent  pat-down searches over the long-term.

He noted that each year airlines and their passengers invest $ 5.9 billion in security measures.

He said that IATA is recommending a smaller percentage of intensive pat downs accompanied by technology or proportionate screening procedure as a means to achieve near-term security requirement with reduced delays.

While explaining that security is a government responsibility, and shared priority with the industry, Bisignani, however, urged DHS to allow the current short-term measure to be urgently followed-up by a comprehensive Dots/Industry review of security system to address existing and evolving security threats.

The IATA boss said that the failed Detroit terror plot has emphasised two key realities, such as the global nature of the threat and the need for effective cooperation and information sharing among and within intelligence organisations.

His words, “Effective security needs a system that is built on global harmonisation, effective  information exchange, industry/government cooperation, risk assessment and efficient technology.

This is how we made flying the safest way to travel.  We must take the same approach with security”.

IATA revealed that in the 12 months to September 2009, air transport connected 2.2 billion  passenger safely and securely.

This includes 820 million international travellers of which 140 million were international travellers on US routes.

Another component is the US domestic market which accounts for 620 million travellers.