Aviation Security Since the September

Aviation Security

Since the September 11th terrorist attacks, there has been an emphasis on identifying various strategies for preventing aviation security from facing similar kinds of disasters. Part of the reason for this, is this event would highlight a trend that has been occurring when the airlines first started implementing various safety procedures in the 1970's (terrorism). As they wanted to avoid the negative publicity, that was associated with numerous high jackings and bombings. However, as the different forms of terrorism became more dangerous, was the point that it became clear that some kind of improved security should take place. For managers, this meant that they would have greater responsibilities, when addressing the underlying challenges that they were facing. As they were forced to implement new procedures, that could address these various issues. Yet, beneath the surface the overall nature of the threat is continuing to change. To fully understand how managers are adjusting to these different challenges requires: examining the overall scope of the problems they are facing and how it is being addressed. Together, these different elements will provide the greatest insights, as to the underlying challenges facing the industry.

The biggest problems affecting the airlines are that the overall nature of the security threats is constantly changing. This is problematic, because it means that existing solutions that are in place; could become ineffective at addressing the underlying challenges. At which point, aviation security could be breached, allowing for another devastating attack to occur. A good example of this can be seen with the attempted Christmas Day Bombing in December 2009. What happened was a Nigerian born Al Qaeda operative, tried to detonate an explosive that was in his underwear (when the plane was coming in for its final approach at Detroit Metropolitan International Airport). Even though the attack was not successful, the incident signified how a change in tactics was taking place. Where, Al Qaeda wanted to be able to strike at the very heart of America (on one of the most sacred days of the year). This is problematic, because it means that different security procedures had become ineffective at addressing the underlying problems. For managers, this meant that they had to implement some kind of solution that could respond to these changes. ("Christmas Day Bombing Plot," 20100

As a result, the TSA introduced full body scan imaging machines. These are similar to X ray machines that will look beneath the clothing of the suspect, to see if they have any kind of explosive in their private areas. For those individuals who were concerned about privacy issues, managers offered them another option (which was fully body pat downs by same sex security officers). During this procedure, they were required to manually check various private areas on a host of different individuals. The problem is that many civil rights groups and victims advocates, were claiming that this is a violation of basic constitutional principles. However, from a manager's perspective, these different views were unfounded, as they believed that the current system could address these underlying challenges facing airline security in the future. This is important, because it shows how airline security will often involve managers having to weigh, the personal freedom concerns over those of protecting the air transportation system. (Baskas, 2010)