NBTA Survey Indicates Corporate Travel Managers Support Airport Security Initiatives
Alexandria, VA - As new aviation security deadlines approach, most corporate travel managers say they support the new security initiatives being implemented by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), according to a new survey by the National Business Travel Association (NBTA). In a survey of 200 corporate travel managers conducted August 29 - September 5, 70% of respondents said they approve or somewhat approve of the government's...
"NBTA and its members strongly support attempts at improving airport security to assure the safety of business travelers and the traveling public in general," said NBTA President Kevin Iwamoto. "Yet only the most efficient and effective methods of improving airport security should be undertaken because these choices will have serious implications for security, customer service, passengers' willingness to travel and ultimately the national economy."
When asked what government initiatives they thought would dramatically improve the nation's aviation system, 50% suggested instituting a "trusted traveler" program and 41% stated that the government should not allow delays in the installation of explosive-detection equipment. However, many travel managers suggested that the TSA should develop a more flexible timeframe in order to develop individualized security plans for the nation's airports.
The efficiency of new security processes does play a role in corporate travel decisions, according to the NBTA survey. 68% of respondents said they would implement more conference calls if security processes impede their travelers, while 55% said they would increase their use of webcasts and 40% said they would recommend reducing out of town meetings.
"Selecting methods that may be expedient, but that do not meet the highest standards for efficiency or effectiveness, risks not only the immediate safety of passengers and airlines, but the longer-term credibility and integrity of the overall aviation system in this country," said Iwamoto. "Moreover, the costs of these security systems will be borne directly or indirectly by business travelers. Therefore, the government's investments must be made wisely to prevent even more costly upgrades and disruptions in the future."
For these reasons, NBTA supports proposals that provide the TSA a more flexible timeframe to develop individualized airport security plans that incorporate only the most up-to-date technology and procedures and the time to hire and sufficiently train personnel.