TSA permits three airports to sign security agreements with Amazon Air

Amazon will be involved in controlling airport access, undertake employee vetting responsibilities and handle identification.

The US Department of Homeland Security agency Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has allowed three airports to enter into security agreements with Amazon.com subsidiary Amazon Air.

This approval will enable Amazon to execute security functions and help in its planned hiring at the airports.

The airports permitted to enter Exclusive Area Agreements (EAA) with Amazon Air are Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD).

Usually, the agreements are used when a complete airport terminal is maintained by only one aircraft operator.

With this exemption, Amazon will be able to obtain physical control of some airport access, undertake ’employee vetting functions that the airport authorities would otherwise be required to conduct’ and manage ID issues.

TSA said: “Amazon Air possesses the latest, sophisticated access control and monitoring systems that enhance security by significantly restricting access to cargo and aircraft.”

The agency determined it is in the public interest to authorise these airport operators to enter into EAAs with Amazon Air to create operational and economic efficiencies for the airport operators and Amazon Air.

The company will be required to act in accordance with the same TSA-regulated security standards that are followed by airport and aircraft operators during their operations.

Amazon Air already has employees in these three airports and plans to hire more employees over the upcoming 12 to 18 months.

Last month, TSA reopened the Innovation Checkpoint with upgraded technologies at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Nevada.

Latest aviation security technologies were incorporated at the airport’s Innovation Checkpoint to enhance security and the passenger screening process.