This summer Boston’s Logan International Airport became the nation’s first airport approved to install new baggage screening machines in accordance with the Transportation Security Administration’s federal mandate.
One hundred percent of checked baggage must be screened in every airport in the US by Dec. 31, TSA announced last year. The Massachusetts Port Authority hired private security consultants in March and announced in June a construction plan to establish standard TSA machines at 15 points in the airport by the declared deadline.
“Over the next few months Massport will remain vigilant and focused because any slippage in the project can push the completion date past the new year,” said Massport CEO Craig Coy in a press release.
The new screening procedure will be an inline system built into existing baggage handling rooms in an effort to maintain space available to passengers in the terminals. It will be equipped to manage the 5,000 pieces of luggage Logan handles at peak hours throughout the day.
While the construction is expected to be finished by the deadline, Massport would not commit to the timetable.
“Everything that can be done is being done,” said Massport spokeswoman Barbara Platt. “It’s been a difficult process.”
In the meantime, fliers can expect some confusion due to construction around the airport and may experience some delays.
“Getting out [of the airport] was really hard; we had to go through a maze of concrete barriers,” said College of Communication sophomore Jessica Levine after flying through Logan during her return to school last week. “The construction is an added frustration to what is already often a difficult experience.”
In late August, the Massport Board authorized a budget of $146 million toward the project. Massport hopes to be reimbursed by either the TSA or the Federal Aviation Administration.
“I am pleased that Massport has reaffirmed its commitment to advance the construction of the 100 percent baggage screening program … and I will advocate for federal reimbursement to support the Logan program,” said Logan TSA Federal Security Director George Naccara in a press release.
The state government worked with Massport officials in getting the plan approved so Logan could move ahead on what it views as an important objective.
“The state and Massport have a supportive relationship,” Platt said. “We share the goal of making Logan a benchmark for [aviation] security.”
Logan is also participating in tests of various other new security measures and has applied to become one of 20 national airports to officially test new facial recognition technology.
“We are certainly leading the charge in aviation security,” Platt said.
Other changes over the summer included the complete removal of the National Guard from Logan in May. State troopers replaced the Guard; Massport and the state police formed an elite unit that will respond to critical situations.
In addition, the TSA installed federal employees at two of the 17 Logan checkpoints. The TSA is requiring that all checkpoints be staffed by its personnel by Nov. 19.
The TSA was formed following the terror attacks on Sept. 11 and replaced the Federal Aviation Administration as the manager of transportation security.
Massport will maintain its commitment to safety throughout this year but does not have other specific plans for new security measures.
“Massport will continue to be proactive and to look for new and innovative ways to enhance the customer’s security experience at Logan,” Platt said.