Taking flight: Advancing global airport security

Tim Purpura, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, Morse Watchmans explores the challenges facing airports today and how key access control can boost safety and efficiency.

From JFK taxi hackers to recent cybersecurity and physical breach incidents, the aviation industry faces a complex web of security challenges. Balancing optimal security with profitability and a seamless passenger experience is a delicate act.

The airport gridlock and delays plaguing the post-pandemic travel landscape in 2022 have been well documented. Thousands of passengers faced long queues and delays, primarily due to staffing shortages and slow security clearance processes for new hires.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) had urged airports to expedite security clearances. Delays at that time were attributed to pandemic-induced layoffs that left airports understaffed amid rising travel demand.

Further compounding the pressure, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported a concerning rise in physical security breaches in April 2024, with 300 cases of individuals bypassing airport security in the past year. This trend, likely exacerbated by the post-pandemic surge in travel, presents new security headaches for airports worldwide.

Global conflicts add another layer of complexity. Airlines are currently grappling with a rise in GPS interference, attributed by experts to collateral damage from ongoing conflicts.

This issue recently caused flight cancellations between Helsinki and Tartu, Estonia in late May 2024. Additionally, European and Middle Eastern conflicts are forcing airlines to reroute flights. This confluence of traditional and emerging challenges compels airports to re-evaluate their security strategies and integrate solutions that optimise security – without compromising efficiency.

From chaos to control

Airports function as complex ecosystems, continuously juggling the demands of passenger flow, security protocols and efficient operations.

Maintaining robust security measures within this environment is paramount. Automated key control systems have emerged as a valuable tool for those seeking to strengthen access control and safeguard critical assets.

Here’s the core issue these systems address: Meticulously managing keys and other tools, particularly those granting access to sensitive areas.

Traditional methods, often reliant on paper logs and cumbersome keychains, were susceptible to loss, theft or unauthorised duplication. Key control systems offer a more secure and accountable electronic solution.

Instead of manual key management, imagine tamper-proof electronic key cabinets safeguarding keys. Authorised personnel gain access to pre-assigned keys using a two-step verification process such as a PIN code and a pre-issued badge.

This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access. Plus, the system automatically tracks key usage, creating a detailed log. This not only fosters accountability but helps identify any potential security breaches or misuse of keys.

The benefits extend beyond beefed-up security and audit trails. No more wasted time searching for lost keys translates to smoother operations for airport staff and management.

These systems can seamlessly integrate with existing security systems, creating a unified infrastructure that streamlines operations and makes security management a breeze.

Data that empowers

The benefits of automated key control systems go far beyond just keeping track of who has which key. These systems transform key management from a reactive scramble to a data-driven operation.

Every single time a key is accessed, the system logs it all. User, date, time – it’s meticulously recorded.

This data stream becomes a treasure trove for security management. Automated reports can be generated, giving users a picture of which keys are in use, who has access and their location.

This data empowers security in two primary ways. Firstly, it fosters accountability. Detailed audit trails shine a light on any potential breaches or misuse of keys.

Think of it as a digital paper trail that leaves nothing to chance. Secondly, administrators can become data detectives. They can program reports to track key movements based on timeframes and user codes. The system allows you to query transactions within a specific window, providing valuable insights for teams.

But, the power of data goes even further. In the wake of an incident, automated key control systems can generate immediate reports, revealing which keys are missing and who last had them.

This real-time intel allows for a faster response and a targeted investigation. These systems are game-changers. They empower teams to shift from reacting to threats to proactively identifying and plugging vulnerabilities before they become problems.

Beyond secure cabinets

Key control systems go beyond just locking away keys in electronic cabinets.

They enhance overall airport security posture. When an authorised user retrieves a key, a unique code appears on the display, which serves as a required password for accessing secured entry points, functioning as a two-factor authentication system for physical keys.

These systems can also be programmed to be alarm-wary watchdogs. They’ll issue notifications if someone tries to tamper with the system, uses an invalid code, forgets to close a door or experiences a power outage.

Facing missing keys, overdue returns or attempts by unauthorised personnel to return keys? The system will be on high alert, notifying security immediately. These features not only deter suspicious activity but also provide real-time intel on potential physical security breaches.

Another standout feature of these key control systems is their ability to effortlessly blend with current security systems. Integration is often seamless and cost-effective, eliminating the need for a complete security overhaul. This integration between systems unlocks even more granular control.

Consider an employee who needs a key to access a high value storage area. Integrated with access control, the key system can restrict movement within the building, ensuring they cannot leave until the key is safely returned.

This level of control can be customised based on user groups, specific keys, designated timeframes and pre-scheduled key reservations.

For mission-critical keys, the system can automatically notify designated personnel via email or other selected methods if a key is not returned on time. This integration fosters a unified security infrastructure.

Asset management

Ground support equipment (GSE) is the lifeblood of smooth airport operations, ensuring timely aircraft turnaround and departures. However, misplaced tools or missing equipment can disrupt this delicate dance, leading to costly delays.

To put it in perspective, airport equipment and fleets represent a substantial investment, with costs varying based on factors like type, size and age. GSE, for example, can range from $5,000 for baggage carts to millions for passenger boarding bridges.

Airport fleets, encompassing buses, fuel trucks and maintenance vehicles, can cost millions of dollars depending on size and purpose. Asset management lockers offer a solution to protect assets.

These secure, centralised storage units safeguard valuable GSE, minimising loss or damage and reducing replacement costs. They also eliminates wasted time searching for misplaced tools, allowing crews to focus on core tasks and ensuring a smoother workflow.

Shared lockers enable authorised personnel to access frequently used equipment, streamlining workflows and encouraging collaboration among maintenance teams.

Additionally, data generated on locker usage helps identify peak times and equipment popularity. This information can be used to optimise GSE allocation and inform future procurement decisions.

Securing the skies with key control

Key management solutions aren’t a theoretical solution or a “nice to have.” As a leader in the industry, Mose Watchmans has worked as a trusted partner with several frontrunners in the aviation industry to solve day-to-day challenges.

One example is United Airline’s Jet Engine Rebuild and Test Facility at its 20-acre San Francisco maintenance facility. Here, specialised tools and test equipment keeps the airline’s fleet in top condition; with 1,400 employees, it is critical to have solutions in place to safeguard and track tools.

Tool tracking had previously relied on mechanics storing items in assigned boxes. This system lacked transparency, impacting efficiency and raising safety concerns. The risk of non-tool items finding their way into these boxes, and potentially ending up in an engine, was a real threat.

Electronic key cabinets made the difference. These innovative systems provide granular control over access to both the cabinet and individual keys.

United Airlines can now determine precisely who can access specific tools, with real-time tracking capabilities for added transparency. Additionally, a detailed audit trail logs every key activity, ensuring accountability.

The benefits extend beyond simple tool control. The United Airlines facility manager can remotely access the system and generate reports that reveal key usage patterns. This data helps identify trends and potential equipment needs, allowing for proactive resource management.

This is a prime example of how key management systems are playing a critical role in aviation security. Next, I’ll delve deeper into another successful implementation at Darwin International Airport.

Australia’s Darwin International Airport (DRW) is the country’s tenth-largest airport, serving over two million passengers annually. Plus, its approved $60m expansion will double its capacity for passengers and planes, solidifying its status as a key international transit hub for Europe, Asia and Australia.

While assessing DRW security operations, managing facility keys arose as a critical area needing improvement. The master key system had been managed manually, creating inefficiencies, including a lack of accountability, oversight and tracking capabilities.

Deploying an electronic key cabinet with custom reporting brought a modular and scalable integrated key control and management solution that’s designed for interoperability with access control and other systems.

This key system enhances security and control by preventing unauthorised access and reducing lost keys. Pre-approved users, such as employees or contractors, can access keys from the cabinet without requiring additional sign-in or staff presence.

However, to activate a key, users must update access control rights for the key at a USB-connected authoriser. When the key is returned, it must be presented to the key authoriser device to extract the audit trail showing which locks the key had touched before replacing it in the cabinet.

Safe storage and electronic key tracking have facilitated efficiency and scalability during the DRW expansion.

The key to a secure future

Automated key control systems are a tangible solution for today’s complex airport security challenges. These systems offer a powerful, scalable and adaptable toolset.

Key control systems go beyond simply managing keys – they provide a multi-layered approach, tightening access control, streamlining operations and fostering accountability. The insights they generate empower proactive security measures, while the detailed audit trails facilitate efficient investigations.

Incorporating key control systems into security infrastructure is a strategic investment in the future of any airport. These adaptable systems will continue to play a vital role in safeguarding critical assets, deterring unauthorised access and ensuring the safety of every passenger, employee and visitor.