Airport to Become “Test Bed” For New Security Technologies

At the April 24 Airport Authority meeting, the board approved an agreement with the Naval Surface Warfare Center, the Transportation Security Administration and National Safe Skies Alliance to use our airport as a “test bed” for new aviation security technology, equipment and procedures.

Under the program, there will be a survey to assess the current security system and procedures to establish a baseline against which the effectiveness of new technologies, equipment and procedure can be measured. An important part of the program is to “demonstrate innovative technology.”

Importantly, the program will be transitioned to the new airport.

The establishment of this program is the culmination of many years work by many local leaders. And because we will be building a new airport from the ground up, we may have the opportunity to grow this program further.

If we can make this program a success, the new Panama City airport could eventually make significant contributions to the nation’s aviation security.