Security measures
At BAA, safe and secure air travel is the top priority. Currently nearly half of our UK staff work in security – carrying out access control and screening responsibilities – and we continue to invest in the training and development of this workforce.
The need for vigilance and heightened security was again highlighted in August 2006 as the Government, in response to terrorist threats, introduced unprecedented new security levels overnight at all UK airports. Initially, the new measures caused disruption as, along with passengers and the airlines, we had to come to terms with the new guidelines.
Almost inevitably, the need for tighter security has, on occasion, led to longer queues and a worse experience for passengers at our airports than they or we would like. BAA is addressing the situation by investing £40 million to hire 1,400 additional security staff and install new security lanes and equipment. Once these developments are complete, we are committed to reducing queuing time at our security areas to five minutes or less for 95% of the time at the majority of our airports.
Elsewhere we have been tightening security controls around restricted areas of our airports, revising and improving closed circuit television (CCTV) arrangements and also changing lay-outs in some terminal buildings to make them more secure.
Clearly all of these changes have an effect on the customer experience and we’re actively working to reduce any inconvenience. We use numerous communication channels to keep customers informed of the latest developments and information on hand luggage, from websites to posters, videos and advertising. And we’re working together with the Government, police and control authorities to integrate efforts to improve security.
