U.S.-Georgia Partnership to Enhance Aviation Security

September 21, 2009

U.S.-Georgia Partnership to Enhance Aviation Security

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Georgian United Transport Administration (UTA) announced on September 21 a cooperative effort to enhance aviation security.

With the signing of a Joint Statement of Intent between the TSA and the UTA, both agencies pledged to partner in a comprehensive program of aviation security enhancements, including plans for comprehensive assessments, developing targeted aviation security programs and sharing best practices.   To support this partnership, TSA has deployed an Aviation Security Sustainable International Standards Team (ASSIST), a group of veteran security experts, to collaborate with Georgian aviation security officials.

The ASSIST group and UTA counterparts will assess such aviation security program aspects as training needs, equipment and current aviation security laws and regulations. Following the initial survey, TSA and UTA will work together to effectively build sustainable aviation security institutions and practices.  The ASSIST program is part of TSA's ongoing efforts to promote the secure movement of people and commerce worldwide. Through ASSIST, TSA has identified a number of international lessons learned and best practices regarding aviation security. TSA plans to expand this program to additional nations in the future. More information on TSA and ASSIST is available at www.tsa.gov