The privatisation of aviation security: An evaluation of different models

Abstract

After September 11, an immediate decision by the US government was the federalising of all aviation security screener functions at all US airports,reversing years of privatisation.It ignited a debate in the US and the rest of the world about the extent of privatisation in the security of strategic assets,with many other countries taking different approaches to this issue.This thesis involves a study of the threats against civil aviation,the trends in airport development that complicate security measures,trends in the privatisation of aviation security forces,the different approaches by various governments, particularly those that have an international and regional impact, those that are under seige by terrorists and those in similar situations as Singapore as aviation hubs, where there is a pressing need to balance security with the pleasure and speed of travel.It ends with a proposal of a best practice framework for aviation security.