WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Airlines have welcomed the changes to air passenger screening announced Thursday by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Secretary Michael Chertoff rolled out a plan for implementing the controversial air passenger watch-list screening system called Secure Flight -- dropping plans to mine commercial databases as part of the checks.
Chertoff also announced changes to the rules that govern the data airlines provide to the department for international passengers -- the Advance Passenger Information System.
In a statement, Air Transport Association President and CEO James C. May said he applauds the changes.
“If properly crafted, the programs will improve aviation security without adding to passenger privacy concerns. In particular, we look forward to a unitary data collection process that accommodates all government demands for passenger information and leads to the creation of a coordinated worldwide system.”
May added, “In order to minimize unnecessary impact on the airlines, it is essential that the government carefully consider industry feedback on these programs.”
