The following statement can be attributed to Michael W. McCormick , GBTA executive director and COO, on the Transportation Security Administration’s decision to allow knives on board aircraft.

“The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) urges the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to delay implementation of its recently announced policy allowing passengers to carry knives on board aircraft.  GBTA and its members have long supported TSA’s risk-based security initiatives and will continue this approach.  However, the new knife policy raises significant safety concerns for business travelers who make nearly 40 million business trips each month.  In addition, although risk-based security measures should facilitate passenger screening, many are questioning whether the new policy will slow down, rather than speed-up, checkpoint screening.

Meaningful consultation with travel industry stakeholders before announcing the policy could have addressed the concerns in this significant shift in policy.  GBTA urges Administrator Pistole to delay implementation and work with the business travel industry on this important issue.  To be clear, GBTA is fully supportive of TSA’s commitment to intelligence-driven, risk-based security. TSA should continue this approach and delay implementation of this new policy.”