Blue Grass Airport Meets Federal Security Deadline; Unveils State-of-the-Art Baggage Screening System

Lexington, KY – Blue Grass Airport has announced that it will meet the December 31, 2002 deadline set by Congress for 100% baggage screening and has unveiled a new state-of-the-art baggage screening facility that will provide area travelers with increased safety and convenience.

In November 2001, Congress created a new federal agency - the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Through a series of regulations contained within the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, Congress empowered the TSA to take all necessary action to screen and hold baggage using explosive detection systems by December 31, 2002. This regulation has had profound implications for airports coast to coast. With this act the TSA was tasked with creating a nationwide aviation security force while simultaneously installing comprehensive baggage screening systems in 429 commercial service airports.

In meeting this deadline it was vital that Lexington implemented a program that provided the highest level of customer service and avoided much of the confusion that will be generated by procedures proposed for many of the nation's airports. To address these issues airport administration and the TSA forged a cooperative partnership that has enabled Blue Grass Airport to achieve what we feel is the best result for our customers.

"Thanks to an unprecedented level of cooperation, we can announce today that Lexington's Blue Grass Airport is now one of only five truly "in-line" baggage screening systems in the nation. This accomplishment allows Blue Grass Airport to fully comply with federal security regulations, and maintain our high level of customer convenience", said Airport Board Chairman, Jon Zachem.

In most airports in the nation, the 100% baggage screening process will be conducted in the ticket lobby requiring passengers to navigate a series of lines prior to proceeding through to the checkpoint. In Lexington, the security screening process will be accomplished without changing the look of the ticket lobby or creating confusing lines and additional clutter in the terminal.

Each of the new security procedures adopted on December 31 will be conducted with state-of-the-art equipment "behind the scenes" and out of the way of customers. Through a series of conveyors and belts connected to each airline ticket counter the baggage will proceed through a screening system that is designed to meet our peak demand periods during the day. Once cleared through the screening process, airlines claim the bags from a carousel and load them on departing aircraft.

John Coon, Director of Operations, Blue Grass Airport, added, "The entire process takes place "behind the scenes" so the passenger can transition through the passenger checkpoint and on to the departing flight without delay. We know customers will immediately recognize and appreciate the hassle-free convenience this system provides."

"The installation of this new baggage screening system places Lexington in a leadership role among the nation's airports in the field of aviation security. The facility unveiled today meets the Congressional deadline for 100% baggage screening and allows Central Kentucky travelers to experience a high level of safety and security with no additional delays or inconveniences due to security," said airport director, Michael Gobb.

Together, Blue Grass Airport and the Transportation Security Administration have installed a system that has become the model for other airports to emulate.

Blue Grass Airport is served by six major airline brands providing convenient non-stop service to 12 major hub cities and direct service to destinations worldwide. Each year Blue Grass Airport provides quality air transportation for over one million passengers each year.