Executive Director Michael Gobb Invited to Testify to Congress on Merits of Blue Grass Airport’s State-of-the-Art Baggage Screening System

Lexington, KY - The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Representatives has invited Blue Grass Airport Executive Director Michael Gobb to present testimony regarding the installation and operation of the airport’s state-of-the-art baggage screening system. The screening system, one of only a handful in the nation, allows Blue Grass to maintain its user-friendly ticket lobby design, provide the highest level of safety and security for the public while saving millions of dollars in annual operating costs.

In November 2001, Congress mandated that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) take all necessary action to adopt procedures that would enable all U.S. airports to screen and hold baggage using explosive detection systems by December 31, 2002. As a result of this regulation the TSA was tasked with determining the best way to screen passenger baggage for each individual airport given space constraints and passenger make-up. Many of the initial proposals for small airports involved the placement of large screening stations in the ticket lobby, the use of dozens of personnel and a potentially confusing and frustrating passenger experience.

On December 30, 2002, through a remarkable cooperative effort, Blue Grass Airport and TSA unveiled a screening system that allowed all inspection activities to be conducted “behind the scenes” utilizing a series of conveyors and advanced screening technology. As a result, the passenger was provided a hassle-free check-in experience and a system that can be modified to meet growing demand while saving over $3 million in annual operating costs.

Gobb’s testimony on Wednesday July 14, 2004 will provide information to Congress, which is currently investigating the success or failure of various baggage screening systems across the nation, regarding Lexington’s experience with this cutting edge technology. Congress is specifically investigating whether “in-line” systems, like the one in Lexington, should be expanded to airports coast to coast. Lexington’s Michael Gobb is the only airport representative invited to present testimony.

Since its installation in 2002, Lexington’s system has received praise from both airlines and security officials alike. Blue Grass Airport regularly receives requests from airports worldwide who are interested in installing their own “in-line” screening technology.

Blue Grass Airport is served by five major airline brands, providing convenient non-stop service to 13 cities and direct service to destinations worldwide. In 2003, Blue Grass Airport served over 1.1 million passengers and was the fifth-fastest growing airport in the nation.*

* Source: Airports Council International Passenger Rankings 2003