In a bid to end confusion among air travellers about carrying liquids, gels and aerosols in their handbags, the IATA has started working with governments to standardise security laws and introduce screening equipment that can clearly identify such items.
"Technology can deal with liquids better than the current ban. While liquids are a threat, the next generation of security screening should be able to scan for liquids explosives," International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director (Security) of North America Ken Dunlap told PTI in Geneva.
Passengers now have to keep limited quantities of gels, liquids and aerosols in plastic handbag and put them in a separate bin during security check at airports.
Stressing the need to remove confusion and uncertainty at checkpoints over the ban, he said technology needs to work not just in the laboratories but in the real world.
"Work needs to be done by the manufacturers of X-ray machines and regulators (on having common security standards). They are not ready today," Dunlap said.
Maintaining that adoption of new software should make this possible, he said the changes should be "in place in the next 18-24 months. We need to return common sense back to the screening process."
{{/usCountry}}Maintaining that adoption of new software should make this possible, he said the changes should be "in place in the next 18-24 months. We need to return common sense back to the screening process."
{{/usCountry}}The Geneva-based IATA has also started talks with several Governments to standardise laws on carrying liquids and gels on board the aircraft in an attempt to make air travel more convenient.