Soaring Together
Spring 2024 Edition
Airports Authority Joins Federal Program to Combat Human Trafficking in Aviation
in the terminals , we can increase detection and reporting and work to end this tragic criminal activity ."
The partnership launched at Reagan National Airport with a training session and panel discussion for aviation workers . More than 100 employees from the Airports Authority , American Airlines and other airport tenants attended . Training will expand to Dulles International Airport , and recurring sessions will keep employees vigilant .
To combat human trafficking through its airports , the Airports Authority announced Thursday it is partnering with the U . S . Department of Homeland Security and its Blue Lightning Initiative . The initiative trains aviation personnel to identify and report potential traffickers and victims .
Human trafficking involves the coercing and transporting of people , often from other countries , and forcing them to work in activities against their will . It is estimated in recent years there have been 27 million cases of human trafficking in the world .
" Human trafficking is a growing problem around the world and because it can involve air travel , the Airports Authority is committed to doing our part ," said CEO Jack Potter . " By partnering with the Department of Homeland Security and providing these training sessions for airport employees and increasing signage
“ Today ’ s event highlights the importance of our partnership with the aviation industry in combating human trafficking ,” said Department of Homeland Security Center for Countering Human Trafficking Director Cardell T . Morant . “ The center commends the Airports Authority and all of our aviation industry partners for their collaborative efforts to fight this pervasive crime .”
Moving forward , all Airports Authority employees will receive a Blue Lightning Initiative quick-reference card with pertinent information and resources for victims and observers of human trafficking . Both airports will activate digital information campaigns throughout the terminals and post signage in locations such as restrooms to help passengers and workers identify potential traffickers and to report their suspicions to the proper authorities .
Youth Art Walk
The Airports Authority introduced new artwork in the Youth Art Walk at both Dulles International Airport and Reagan National Airport . Through partnerships with Fairfax County and District of Columbia Public Schools and The Links Incorporated , the Authority has updated the airport ’ s exhibit space to include 100 unique works of art from Virginia and D . C . students ranging from elementary to high school level .
The exhibits can be viewed in a pre-security space in the hallway connecting DCA Terminals 1 and 2 and on the ticketing level at Dulles , across from the Transportation Security Administration ' s PreCheck checkpoint . The excitement extended beyond the artists , as Vice President of Diversity , Inclusion and Social Impact Tanisha Lewis and Dulles International Airport Manager Richard Golinowski Reagan Airport Manager Paul Malandrino attended the events , along with more than 200 family members , school administrators and community members attended the event to celebrate these students ' creative endeavors .
Diversity Inclusion & Social Impact Newsletter 3