In a move to enhance customer experience and operational
efficiency at security check points at Dubai
International (DXB) and Dubai
World Central (DWC), Dubai
Airports and Dubai Police
General Department of Dubai Security signed
a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the International Air Travel
Association (IATA) and Airports Council
International (ACI) to become part of their joint initiative on Smart
Security.
Currently, Dubai Airports manages one of the world’s busiest
international airports, more than 90 million passengers passing through its
facilities annually.
“To achieve our vision of being the best in customer
experience as well as to provide the capacity to accommodate ongoing and future
growth, it is imperative that we look to new technologies and processes to
significantly reduce wait times and avoid queuing wherever possible. Our
participation in the Smart Security initiative of IATA and ACI is a big step in
that direction,” said Buti Qurwash, Vice President of Security at Dubai
Airports.
The MoU will pave the way for Dubai Airports, together with
airlines, control authorities, regulators and solution providers, to benefit
from the knowledge and lessons gained through trials and research activities at
other participating airports.
According to the press statement, the Smart Security
initiative aims to bring measurable improvements in security effectiveness,
operational efficiency and passenger experience at airport security checkpoints
through better use of technology, process innovation, and the use of risk-based
security concepts.
Mr Muhammad Ali Albakri, IATA Regional Vice President,
Africa and The Middle East, congratulated Dubai Airports and the Dubai Police
General Department of Airport Security for their commitment to the introduction
of the concept of Smart Security – a new global model for airport security –
across Dubai’s airports.
“The deployment of innovative Smart Security solutions such
as advanced screening equipment, lane automation and centralised image
processing will not only improve passenger experience and boost the efficiency
of the security process, but also ensure that the Dubai’s airports have a
security solution that can be adapted to meet the expected growth in passenger
traffic over the next 20 years,” he said.
Ms Patti Chau, Regional Director, Airports Council
International (ACI) Asia-Pacific said the Smart Security initiative brings
these stakeholders together with the shared goal of transforming the security
checkpoint for the benefit of the traveling public.
Major General Ahmad Bin Thani, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for
Seaports and Airports Affairs at Dubai Police added that by making security
checkpoints more efficient, the programme will have a positive impact on the entire
travel process and experience across touchpoints from the curb to the boarding
gate.