One of the most unpredictable areas in this uncertain world is the effect on air travel of heightened concerns about safety and security. But recent events have created a new awareness, and a system is needed to address evolving concerns about aircraft safety and air travel security. The airlines are concerned about the effects of new procedures or regulations on their bottom line. For example, resistance to positive passenger-baggage matching arises in part from a concern that it will slow down the loading of aircraft and reduce the number of flights scheduled. But airlines are also concerned about customer confidence, because a frightened consumer may choose another mode of trans-portation.
Airlines make their money when planes are in the air with lots of people in the seats.
Any proposed technology or procedure or safety device will be scrutinized by the airline industry to determine its effects on operations and profitability. The industry will also consider the public's probable reaction if such proposals are not implemented. In this light, it is absolutely imperative for those who regulate and oversee the safety of air travel to be able to determine, in a fair and unbiased way, just what a new safety or security technology will do in terms of affecting airline finances and improving public safety. The Safe Skies Alliance was conceived with these concerns in mind. The CASS will test and evaluate new safety and security technologies.