This summer, I had the opportunity to sample a number of airports of different sizes. As far as I am concerned, I judge airports on two aspects, cleanliness and efficiency of me going from the check-in counters to the gate. Fortunately the first part is assured in most airports in Europe (or at least in those I have used). The second part is kind of funny. Let me explain…

Going form landside to airside there is a procedure that can make or break the day for a passenger: the security. Europe (at least) had an extremely admirable security record with the last major incidents taking place some twenty plus year ago. And then the attacks in 2001 happened and a new area of business appeared: Security. Where security was private (like the two airports where the hijacks started) the government stepped in, while in others the situation was vice versa. Security was much stricter and obviously much more intrusive (and lucrative). Big bosses obviously made a lot of money (due to the assumed, responsibility) and front line personnel gained – with little or no qualifications - more authority and power than they ever hope to do so. I used to feel relax going though the airports where national police was in charge of passenger screening because of the very relaxed yet secured procedure. In the airports controlled by private security firms, screening points are usually manned by individuals on a power trip that render the experience usually unpleasant along with metal detectors adjusted to the maximum sensitivity to cover bosses backsides and annoy paying passengers.

Then the summer of 2006 came and the rules about the liquids changed much to the delight of the duty free shops and to the displeasure of the passenger worldwide (it was not possible any more to buy and carry a normal size bottle of wine when traveling light).

The end result is worst, most stressful trips paid for by higher security fees where passengers frequently are exposed to security employees, with little respect for the paying customers, mainly caring to show who is in charge. Overall very bad situations since records have shown that the previous security system used to work well. And for those that think that privatization is the answer would they care to think which organizations were in charge of security in US airports in September 2001.

Why do I think it is funny? Because aviation security is the only field in the world where customers are paying to be harassed and yet come back from more without complaining.

Next time (in the short haul): I would take the train as long as security is reasonable.

Although securities companies and airport authorities would claim that private screening operations are better and cheaper, one can argue that statistics are a good way to turn reality into a parallel universe.

I am all for an efficient way of security screening but I really like to use a passenger friendly system when I fly. Europe had such a system from 1986 (when terrorist attacks stopped not because of stricter controls) until the late 2001 madness occurred. It is funny but very often I have the feeling that the current security measures are a kind of a Hollywood blockbuster production aiming to make passenger to feel safe while creating a multi million dollar industry and providing jobs.

The question that needs to be asked next time, we remove our shoes in a security check point and are being frisked is: who will protect the passengers from a constant and exaggerating security procedure that offers little real additional safety?

The situation with the 787 is even worst since the aircraft has not flown yet (it fact it has just been powered up). Since this a blog I need to voice some concerns about the extremely optimistic test program which incorporates so many new technologies. But I am not an engineer so I am probably over cautious.

Here is a thought regarding the A380: delivering an innovating aircraft is very serious business. A lot of investment has been made and very often much more than in the case of adding another aircraft that has been flow before. Delaying the delivery particularly after the situation seems to stabilize is a bad thing. Although Airbus surely would have informed the customers that still leaves a bitter feeling. Currently airlines try to present an attractive product that would put them apart and help them maintain the positive developments of the last few years. The A380 is what the doctor order to achieve that (at least for the long trunk routes). The delays can throw a carefully laid plan a long time off. It seems it is great time that some consistency is used when delivery dates are arranged for the good of the manufacturers, the airlines and the paying passengers.

However the problems for Airbus do not stop here. We may be at the beginning of road leading to a very untoward crossroad regarding the long term prospect of the A380. If Airbus (as is its usual practice) does not announce at least one major order during one of the main aishows of the season, the program risks coming to a standstill. If that happens the delivery situation would improve but unfortunately not in a good way…

The events in T5 demonstrate, that allowing airlines and airport to operate without strong government supervision can have negative consequences not only for the traveling public but for the industry itself. Over the years an increasing number of airports have been privatized and are ran as private business with little regard (according to many observers) to the needs of passengers or airlines regarding a smooth trip.

While a fairly comprehensive (but vague) set of regulation specifies the rights of passengers in respects to the airlines a lot is left to be desired regarding airports. To add insult to the injury, airport taxes tend to be higher that a lot of air fares and airports with some exceptions tend to be natural monopolies. How many airports can one choose from in most European cities with the exception of the capitals?

In other words nowadays airports are seen as cash-cows rather like critical piece of the national infrastructure to be paid for and used by all tax-payers (like the highways or the national defense). Although it may sound like it is coming from an 80’s European politician speech it might worth considering having the airports operating under public interest principal where profit objectives take a back seat and make the use of an airport a positive experience.

Common plenary sessions will open this 2-day conference with keynote speakers from Olympic Airlines, Royal Jordanian and Jet Airways amongst many others.

IATA has developped a high-level programme whereas the sessions are designed to encourage interactivity between the audience and speakers.  Hence, this new blog iniative in collaboration with Air Transoprt News to encourage discussions around topics which will be adressed during this conference. This platform is agreat opportunity to share extra information about event’s topics and issues and to some extent an opportunity to address some issues that migh be discussed during the event by some of our panelists.

 IATA and Air Transport News welcomes you to provide you with your comments and thoughts about the Symposium and its themes. Stay tuned with updates and speakers comments.

If you wish to get more information about the IATA Commercial Strategy Symposium, visiit our website: www.iata.org/events/css2007

 - IATA Events team

Alliance and Network Expantion

Towards Cloud-Free Open Skies

• Understand how Air France and United Airlines have each evolved within their respective alliances
• Hear about the good, the bad and the ugly of airline alliances with Dr. Kosta Iatrou, co-author of Airline Choices for the Future
• Identify the success drivers for network integration and development with Swiss International Airlines
• Explore the context that led to the launch of Arabesk, AACO’s new alliance

Benefit from inside experienced alliances and networks:

• Harry Hohmeister, Chief Network & Distribution Officer, Swiss International Airlines
• Patrick Bianquis, Vice President, Alliances, Air France
• David G. Johnson, Managing Director - Alliances & International Affairs, United Airlines
• Gaurang Shetty, Vice President, Marketing, JetAirways

Visit our website to register, and for more details of the topicsand speakers at the only international commercial strategy event: www.iata.org/events/css2007