UK Tests Facial Scanning Technology for Potential Use in Airports
“On the Ground” is Danger Zone for Aircraft
Delta and Northwest Claim to Fight Fuel Cost Better After Merger
With Olympics in Mind, Chicago Sprints to Complete O’Hare Expansion
UK TESTS FACIAL SCANNING TECHNOLOGY FOR POTENTIAL USE IN AIRPORTS - BBC
With the air industry going high-tech with its airport security measures, the UK is set to begin testing automated facial-recognition technology. Similar to the latest graphic-imaging technology that allows TSA officials to scan passengers on the sub-clothing level, the new biometric facial measuring system will be able to identify a passenger by their physical and behavioral characteristics. The quick imaging may help relieve congestion through security gates while also ensuring that no one wanted by the law passes through. If successful, the facial scanners will be installed in all major UK airports.
Link: BBC
“ON THE GROUND” IS DANGER ZONE FOR AIRCRAFT – The New York Times
While airplanes falling from the skies tend to get the most shock-value, aviation experts worry more over runway collisions. The Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Mark V. Rosenker, attests, “Where we are most vulnerable at this moment is on the ground.” Rosenker continues, “To me, this is the most dangerous aspect of flying.” The problem of runway collisions continues to happen, despite FAA efforts. One such example of an incursion occurred with a regional jet in Lexington, KY, when a plane crashed into another as it tried to take off from the wrong runway.
Link: The New York Times
DELTA AND NORTHWEST CLAIM TO FIGHT FUEL COSTS BETTER AFTER MERGER – USA Today
In attempting to combat rising fuel prices, Delta CEO Richard Anderson and Northwest CEO Doug Steenland say that they’ll work better post-merger. In response to lawmakers’ alleged concerns regarding the two airlines’ merge, Anderson says, “”Oil is a game changer and this merger makes us stronger.” Steenland confirms Anderson’s assessment, and believes that without merging, Northwest’s largest obstacle would be coping with fuel costs. Last year at this time, fuel prices in New York sat around $2, whereas today, it hovers around $3.50. Now it seems that with the chumminess of Northwest and Delta, at least in regards to fuel prices, airlines have even more incentive to begin merging.
Link: USA Today
WITH OLYMPICS IN MIND, CHICAGO SPRINTS TO COMPLETE O’HARE EXPANSION - Chicago Tribune
Chicago is setting the date of 2014 to complete its major expansion of O’Hare International Airport. Although considered a fast-track timetable and a whole two years prior to when the city hopes to host the Olympic Games, 2014 will allow enough time for a “massive reconfiguring of O’Hare’s crisscrossing runways” as well as other necessary untangling including improvements of runways and taxiways. Those opposing the expansion apparently call the proposed completion date “fraud.” O’Hare’s goal remains to clean up its “legendary congestion” before Olympic visitors would inundate the airport.
Link: Chicago Tribune
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