Aviation Security Screening Services Level Consideration

Introduction

Pre-board screening (PBS) of air travelers at Canadian airports, one of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)’s principle functions, faces two immediate pressures: • the total number of air travelers requiring security screening is forecast to grow at a rate of approximately 3% per year; and • the hourly billing rates for third-party screening officers are expected to increase by an average 2.9% per year.

The purpose of the project is to define a methodology for determining an appropriate service level for airport security screening wait times, and to establish a recommended service level defined by two variables: • A time, in minutes, that an air passenger will wait prior to being screened to enter the secure area of Canada’s (8) major airports (Class I). • A target percentage (e.g., 90%) of all air passengers who will wait no longer than the above time.

Objectives of the Requirement

The objective of this project is to produce a paper setting out a method for determining an appropriate service level for airport security screening, and recommending a specific service level.

TC intends to contract the services of a researcher (contractor) to examine optimal service levels in the context of passenger security screening at major Canadian airports.

Factors considered by the paper shall include (but not necessarily be limited to): • the impact of wait times on passengers (e.g., the opportunity cost of air travelers waiting); • the impact of wait times on industry; • the cost of providing security screening to air travelers; • information on air traveler satisfaction and expectations regarding wait times; and • Air passenger volume data and projected growth rates.

Period: The work is to be performed during the period commencing upon contract award up to March 31, 2015.