FAA, FBI team up for airport personnel training
In a move to tighten airport security in the Pacific region, representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are currently on the island conducting a training seminar to increase people’s awareness on airport regulations.
The FAA funded seminar also hopes to promote understanding on regional security as airport officials from Pohnpei, Chuuk, Palau, Federated States of Micronesia , American Samoa and the CNMI are gathered here for the first time to attend the one-week training, said Carlos H. Salas, executive director of the Commonwealth Ports Authority.
Since the maintenance of airport security also involves the cooperation of its tenants, Salas said the ports authority invited executives of various airlines so that they would be aware of the need to follow airport security regulations.
Amid the continuous threat of terrorist groups, the ports authority emphasized the need of protecting passengers by taking all the needed security control. During the seminar, participants would be given techniques and skills enhancement training by FAA and FBI agents.
Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio has acknowledged FAA’s commitment to assist the CNMI serve the traveling public better as well as promote productive partnership with other airports in the Pacific.
Through the years, Tenorio said FAA has always been ready to offer advice and assistance, both technical and financial, to ensure that CPA is operating a safe and efficient airport.
At the same time, Tenorio recognized the efforts made by CPA in improving airport facilities in the CNMI . Despite its limited budget, the ports authority has carried out airport expansion projects to better serve the passengers.
Due to activities of terrorist groups, FAA usually requires civil aviation security personnel to increase alertness and the ports authority may take extra security measure by adding patrols in plain clothes throughout the airport.
Recently, the ports authority has also controlled access to secured areas by stopping the issuance of security clearance to officials who want to greet their guests inside the airport premises.
