Greater focus should be on human factors amid accelerating as screening technology deployment

2026-03-12

Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID) called on civil aviation regulators in the Asia-Pacific region to place greater focus on how new screening technology will change the role of screeners, as they become more common across airports in the region.

The recommendation was made at the 12^th Annual Technical and Operational Meeting (ATOM) of the Cooperative Aviation Security Programme – Asia Pacific (CASP-AP), hosted by the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) of Philippines from 3 to 4 March 2026, in Manila.

According to a recent survey conducted by ACI APAC & MID, the deployment of cabin baggage CT machines and advanced body scanners at airports within Asia-Pacific is accelerating, with the number of these systems expected to double by 2028.

Why human factors matter in aviation security?
As these advanced technologies become more widespread, it is crucial to update the training and procedures for security screeners to align with these advancements. For instance, the role of screeners may shift from manually reviewing X-ray images to managing alerts from automated systems. It is essential for States and airports to ensure that frontline screeners receive the necessary training and support to evolve alongside these technological changes.

CASP-AP ATOM is an annual ICAO meeting aimed to facilitate exchange of best practices in enhancing security compliance among States in Asia-Pacific. This year, the meeting bought together over 40 representatives, including regulators, airports, and industry partners, to address emerging challenges and priorities in aviation security.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the team of ACI APAC & MID met with the security team of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) to introduce ACI’s initiatives that can help the the airport improve security standard.