On January 22, 2014 at the Ithaca - Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH) Senator Charles E. Schumer joined the Air Service Board (ASB) in announcing that ITH will be receiving its first baggage screening system, called an Explosive Detection System (EDS), to replace the current manual bag check system. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expected to install the EDS in the coming weeks.
"It is clear that Ithaca Airport had been stuck in a holding pattern with manual baggage screening as it waited for the TSA to provide an Explosive Detection System, which is why I went to bat for the airport to get one of these automated screening devices as soon as the TSA received new funding in the recent appropriations bill. With this new airport screener, the airport and its terminal will function more efficiently, business travelers, students and local residents will be more likely to utilize the airport on a repeated basis, and safety and security will be greatly improved upon. I am pleased to have helped bring the Ithaca-Tompkins Airport up to speed with other airports of its size and security level: it will mean great things for the region," said Senator Schumer.
Convenient and cost competitive air service is a critical factor to TCAD's economic development strategy and we appreciate Senator Schumer's support.
The ASB is the successor to the Air Service Task Force formed by Tompkins County Area Development (TCAD) in the late 1990s to address concerns about the cost and quality of local air service. In the ASB's recent strategic planning process, the need for a baggage screening system was identified. The new EDS machine will not only save the airport time and money, but it will also improve customer experience, safety and efficiencies.