WASHINGTON, 2014-6-5 — /Travel PR News/ — The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), Airlines for America (A4A), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the expansion of the Known Crewmember (KCM) program to include Tucson International Airport and El Paso International Airport. These new facilities are now the KCM’s 50th and 51st locations, officially starting operations today.
KCM is a risk-based security screening program that enables TSA officers to positively verify the identity and employment status of airline crewmembers. The program enhances security, strengthens partnerships, and allows the TSA to focus on travelers the agency knows less about or who present a greater risk to aviation security. KCM access points are dedicated screening lanes that are utilized by prescreened airline crewmembers; crewmembers are among the most trusted travelers. KCM is also an example of the TSA’s commitment to focusing its attention and resources on those who present the greatest risk, thereby improving security and the travel experience for passengers across the country.
The testing of risk-based screening for flight crews began in 2011 and was approved by the TSA for expansion in 2012. As a result of ALPA’s successful partnerships with A4A and the TSA, KCM has evolved into a robust nationwide program, having screened more than 17 million crewmembers to date.
ALPA president Capt. Lee Moak said, “The expansion of Known Crewmember to its 50th and 51st locations signifies a milestone achievement for the U.S. airline industry. Because it enables TSA security officers to make these verifications, airline pilots—who already undergo thorough criminal background and employment checks—can be screened more efficiently.”
“We are pleased to expand the KCM program to its 50th and 51st locations, enabling airline passengers and crewmembers to benefit from risk-based procedures that improve safety and security while making travel more efficient,” said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. “The KCM program continues to demonstrate that enhanced security and the efficient movement of passengers and cargo are not mutually exclusive goals, and A4A looks forward to further expanding this indispensable tool at airports nationwide.”
“Since Known Crewmember began in 2011, this program has enabled TSA to focus its screening efforts on those who pose a greater risk to aviation security,” said TSA Administrator John. S. Pistole. “Expanding these identity-based initiatives to additional airports nationwide is another positive step in the evolution of the agency’s ongoing risk-based, intelligence-driven security approach.”
There are currently 45 air carriers with pilots using KCM, and 34 of those air carriers’ flight attendants also use KCM. ALPA’s goal is for all U.S. airlines to join the program and have it be available nationwide. For the most up-to-date information on the current KCM airports, select the “KCM” tab on the ALPA app for iPhones and Android devices, or visit www.knowncrewmember.org.
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing over 51,000 pilots at 32 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.
A4A airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. For more information about A4A and the airline industry, visit www.airlines.org and follow us on Twitter @airlinesdotorg.
The Transportation Security Administration was created to strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems and ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce. TSA uses a risk-based strategy and works closely with transportation, law enforcement, and intelligence communities to set the standard for excellence in transportation security. For more information about TSA, please visit our website at tsa.gov.
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Contact:
ALPA Media: Media@alpa.org 703-481-4440
A4A Media: MediaRelations@airlines.org 202-626-4000
TSA Media: TSAmedia@tsa.dhs.gov 571-227-2829