TSA Administrator Pistole to Join GBTA at 2011 GBTA Convention in Denver, CO
Alexandria, VA (July 2011) – The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) – the voice of the global business travel industry – applauded the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) announcement of the launch of a pilot program for a much-needed Trusted Traveler system. GBTA has long supported the transition to an identity-based, pre-flight, risk-based security system. During the first phase of testing, certain frequent fliers and certain members of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Trusted Traveler programs, including members of Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS who are U.S. citizens will be eligible to participate in the pilot program, which could qualify them for expedited screening at select checkpoints at certain airports.
“Our members have the utmost respect for the work TSA does and we applaud the launch of this pilot program as an important next step in advancing our air transit system. Our 5,000 members have been advocating for a Trusted Traveler system and the way this pilot program is designed, business travelers are going to see benefits,” Michael W. McCormick, executive director and COO, GBTA said.
“We’re looking forward to learning more about this program directly from Administrator Pistole at the 2011 GBTA Convention in Denver,” continued McCormick. “The interactive format of the ‘LIVE with GBTA – The World’s Largest Airline and What’s Next in Travel Security’ discussion panel that the Administrator will be joining us for will allow our members to hear about this program in much more detail.”
“TSA has taken a significant step toward turning theory into practice. Business travelers are among the most qualified candidates for this program and we are hopeful the program is a success that makes air travel both safer and more efficient,” concluded McCormick.
The GBTA Convention, with more than 6,000 attendees, is the largest, most comprehensive annual gathering of business travel and meetings managers, meeting planners, procurement professionals and suppliers anywhere in the world. The Business Travel Event of the Year® features: more than 70 industry-leading education sessions organized into 20+ specialized tracks geared to specific levels of experience and a variety of disciplines; a 400+ company Exposition showcasing market choices not available at other industry gatherings; executive sessions with a dozen top industry CEOs and other world renowned speakers; sessions featuring world-renowned speakers and industry leaders; a wide selection of professional development opportunities; and, much more. For more information on the GBTA Convention, visit gbta.org/convention
