OAKLAND TO BECOME TSA TEST SITE FOR NEW TECHNOLOGY

The TSA has selected Oakland International Airport (OAK) as an official Innovation Task Force Site.

The distinction will allow OAK to try out new technologies to benefit its growing passenger base. 

The trial programme will begin in OAK’s Terminal 2 in partnership with Southwest Airlines, and is expected to begin roll-out within the next six months.

“OAK has had and continues to have great working relationships with our partners at TSA, both locally and in Washington, DC,” enthuses Port of Oakland's director of aviation, Bryant Francis. 

“Historically, selected Innovation Site airports have included the top 20 largest airports plus Chicago Midway, therefore, we see this as a welcome opportunity for OAK to deepen our collaboration with our partners at TSA and Southwest to further improve the travel experience for all of our customers. 

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"We believe that the benefits of this collaboration will make our airport safer and more efficient as well.”

Airports at which TSA establishes its Innovation Sites must meet the following criteria:

• Ability to begin the reconfiguration and installation of security systems expeditiously;

• Ability to share costs through federal funding, airport funding, or otherwise;

• Infrastructure and space needed to reduce vulnerabilities and reconfigure existing security systems, and not negatively impact current screening capacity;

• Impact to security effectiveness and efficiency, including consideration of detection capabilities; and

• Ability of operational staff and stakeholders to support the initiative.

OAK’s participation as an Innovation Task Force Site will promote improved efficiency for passengers at the security checkpoint, and allow the Airport to try technologies such as Automated Bin Return, Remote monitoring, and Computerised Topography (CT) technology for identifying explosives in carry-on luggage.