Border management is important for Middle East airports says SITA expert

At the Airport, Port and Terminal Security (APTS) conference currently taking place in Dubai (14th-15th March 2005), Andy Murray, Director of Border Management Solutions, SITA INC - the world's leading provider of air transport-focused applications, communications and IT infrastructure - will explain how government agencies, airports, airlines and passengers will benefit from advanced border management solutions.

Border management solutions are implicitly airline-friendly, as they automatically bring an improved level of compliance with government requirements, fewer penalties for unauthorized admissions, and most importantly the carriage of fewer high risk or inadequately documented passengers. Airport authorities would also welcome shorter queues and more efficient passenger processing, which leads to a more positive travel experience. The benefits to travelers are three-fold: reduced check-in times, easier last minute bookings and safer travel.

"Knowing more about incoming passengers before they arrive can make travel more secure and simple. As air travel is expected to grow in the next few years, IT systems that improve security and simplify the journey will not just be desirable but essential," said Murray. "With advanced systems, governments can now ensure that the relevant border control agencies have the detailed and accurate information they need to enhance security, as well as reduce the cost of processing essential travel documentation."

Having prior information on travelers intending to arrive in, transit through or depart from a country, greatly increases a government's decision-making capabilities and improves border integrity. With increasing emphasis on security in the travel industry, and traveler numbers continuing to grow exponentially, the task of border management becomes more difficult. Correct identification, verification, and authentication of travelers are more important than ever before, hence, the push for 'smarter' travel documents and biometrics.

Murray has an in-depth understanding of border management. He has played a key role in major border management initiatives including the implementation of the world's latest Advance Passenger Processing and Electronic Visa system in Bahrain and the data acquisition system for Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Records in Canada. Andy's experience in the travel industry & relating technology developments spans over 20 years and has held numerous commercial, technical and project management roles based in the UK, Australia, Europe, USA, Latin America and the Caribbean.