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 Opening Remarks at the AAAE/IAAE Conferenceby Chargé d'Affaires Scott F. KilnerVienna, April 29, 2008Good morning ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of the American Embassy I would like to welcome you to Vienna, and to thank you for joining us in this important Airport Security Policy and Technology Conference. It promises to be an outstanding event! In particular, let me extend a warm welcome to: Krys Bart, American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Chair and Executive Director of the Reno Tahoe Airport in Nevada, Tim Campbell, International Association of Airport Executives (IAAE) Chair and Executive Director of the Baltimore-Washington International Airport in Maryland, Mr. Mario Rehulka, President of the Austrian Aviation Association. Ladies and gentlemen. It goes almost with out saying that today we enjoy unprecedented freedom to travel internationally. This fuels a very positive, ever-increasing exchange of ideas and trade. But at the same time we face unprecedented threats to this freedom. Securing the freedom of air travel in this global age is a daunting challenge. Of course, no one knows this better than the diverse group of stakeholders in this room, whether you are a security official, airport executive, or industry representative. Every single day, on average, U.S. authorities process 250,000 incoming foreign air passengers. During 2007 U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents processed a total of 430 million travelers at our nation's air, land, and sea ports. Ensuring that travelers move safely across our borders with minimal inconvenience and that products can flow to and from foreign markets without hindrance is a priority for the United States. My government - and I believe my country as a whole -- recognizes that innovative technology is the solution to this challenge. For example, the Department of Homeland Security, together with private industry, have invested millions of dollars in research and development to produce noninvasive technologies to secure U.S. borders while maintaining the free flow of people and goods. The United States is not alone in recognizing and addressing this threat. On March 12, in neighboring Slovenia, European Union Commissioner Franco Frattini discussed Europe's emerging debate on this topic. Commissioner Frattini said, "Innovative and effective border controls have to strike a difficult balance between ensuring the free movement of a growing number of people across borders and guaranteeing greater security for Europe's citizens." In addressing these challenges the E.U. Commission has adopted a proposal that focuses on "using new technologies" to "bring Europe's border management strategy into the 21st century." The E.U.'s proposals focus on proven U.S. technologies such as use of biometric data, passenger registration systems, and baggage screening. The United States welcomes the willingness of European governments to work together, along with airports and industry, to effectively address these challenges. It is more important than ever to make investments to ensure the continued safety and attractiveness of air travel. Over the next several days you will hear about the latest developments in technology to support safety, security and air traffic services. Now, that U.S. Chargé has captured the podium, I cannot resist using the opportunity to state that the American companies in this room have demonstrated their ability to build, maintain, and operate the most innovative and adaptive aviation security infrastructure in the world. By being here today, all have shown a commitment to working with the aviation authorities in this part of the world. Almost every airport built or expanded in the past three decades has benefited from the know-how and products of these companies, whether through master planning, security or air traffic control, runway lighting or aircraft maintenance equipment, or the most mundane features of a passenger terminal. I think you will find that these American companies can deliver the most cutting edge technology solutions in the world. I also want to point out that our Embassy's Commercial Counselor Chris Quinlivan and Commercial Specialist Ingeborg Döblinger are here today and they stand ready to facilitate any of your business interests. Finally, I would like to compliment AAAE and IAAE for bringing new partners together. This is an ideal platform to discuss the latest developments in this sector. I especially want to thank Mr. Spencer Dickerson, Vice President of AAAE, who enthusiastically worked to bring this event to fruition. I wish you all a very interesting and successful conference. e-mail: embassy@usembassy.at |
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