REPRESENTATIVES from the Federal Aviation Administration are holding meetings with local airport authorities to draw up a comprehensive security plan, CPA Executive Director Carlos Salas said.
Effective passenger screening, vehicle inspection, internal security and parameter security are among the issues that will be discussed by CPA and FAA officials.
The FAA delegation is also scheduled to visit Rota and Tinian.
Yesterday, the group went to Tinian to inspect the airport facilities there.
New airport security measures would be implemented following the completion of the comprehensive plan.
“Right now, there’s nothing new. Tighter security measures have been in place after the Sept. 11 incident. Now, we’re back to the discussion table to know what else can be done to further improve our system,” Salas said.
He said the FAA regularly visits the CNMI to ensure the security, safety and protection of the local airports.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued an alert order following renewed threats from al-Qaida, the terrorist group associated with the Sept. 11 attacks.
Guam airport operations superintendent Gerard Bautista said the airports of Saipan and Guam have developed “some networking so we can share and help one another.”
“It’s for the best interest of both airports be it about security, safety, runway projects or anything,” Bautista said.
Bautista headed the Guam International Airport team that participated in the Airport Olympics held here over the weekend.
Bautista said Guam’s airport needs additional funding to implement necessary measures and meet the U.S. Transportation Department’s requirements.
Guam airport officials met with the FAA delegation prior to their visit to Saipan over the weekend.
