Open Architecture for Airport Security Systems – Initial guidance takes flight

On 15 November, ACI EUROPE welcomed the US TSA Administrator David Pekoske at its premises. The meeting marked the launch of the first ever Guidance on Open Architecture for Airport Security Systems, elaborated jointly by ACI EUROPE, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the European Organisation for Security (EOS), AVINOR and Heathrow Airport.

Implementing Open Architecture principles into security systems will enable open data formats and standard interfaces, all embedded within an operationally viable and cyber-secure aviation security environment. The implementation of Open Architecture principles will facilitate uniform standards that will expedite agile responses to new and emerging threats, providing benefits for all stakeholders throughout the globally connected aviation system.

The new guidance builds on the original 2020 Open Architecture thought paper, which served as a catalyst and highlighted a desire for Open Architecture from end-users, leading to the establishment of the Joint Open Architecture Steering Group with representation from ACI EUROPE, EOS, TSA, AVINOR and Heathrow Airport.

The initial guidance has garnered support from several prominent institutions, including IATA (International Air Transport Association) and CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority), as well as the international electronics group Rohde & Schwarz.

Read more here.