Airline security measures could be a plus for Boeing

By Katherine Pfleger

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Boeing Co. is welcoming President Bush’s plan for the government to provide $500 million to boost security on airliners.

It wasn’t immediately clear the aerospace giant would see a direct benefit from the funding. However, "What helps the airlines get back on their feet is going to ultimately help Boeing as well," spokesman Tim Neale said Thursday.

The Chicago-based company announced last week it would lay off of up to 30,000 workers in its commercial aircraft division, most of whom work in the Seattle area.

The money could help pay for a number of aircraft modifications, including systems to strengthen cockpit doors and restrict their opening during flight, alert the cockpit crew of activity in the cabin, and ensure that the aircraft can be tracked by air controllers during emergencies.

The Federal Aviation Administration would have to approve any changes.

Neale said Boeing was working closely with airlines and FAA on design changes, but said it was too early to know what ultimately might be adopted.

The money will come from the Transportation Department as grants, cost-sharing agreements or other arrangements. Since the airlines are responsible for ensuring their aircraft are safe, they will have to apply for the grants, and only U.S. carriers will be eligible.

At a congressional hearing last week, Boeing Vice President Hank Queen cautioned lawmakers that the 7,000 commercial jet airplanes in the U.S. fleet have about 40 different flight deck door systems that would need to be retrofitted.

"We have to be careful not to rush into something without understanding all the consequences," Queen told a joint hearing of the House and Senate Appropriations transportation subcommittees.

On the Net:

Federal Aviation Administration: http://www.faa.gov/

Boeing Co.: http://www.boeing.com/