CATSA News Release

For immediate release

February 10, 2005

CATSA Intercepts over 738,000 Prohibited Items in 2004

OTTAWA ( Ontario ) - Knives, pepper spray, guns, ammunition, scissors, even some toy weapons - the list is almost endless. All told, more than 738,000 prohibited items were intercepted by screening officers at Canada's airports in 2004. That works out to well over 60,000 articles per month, a significant decline of almost 20% from 2003.

In releasing the figures today, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) said the credit must go to the screening officers who are responsible for checking passengers and their belongings before they board their flights.

"It is a tribute to the professionalism, dedication and hard work of the screening officers employed at 89 airports across the country that these and other prohibited items never found their way onto aircrafts," says Jacques Duchesneau, President and Chief Executive Officer of CATSA. "The security of the travelling public is CATSA's top priority. Our job is to ensure the security of the millions of people who fly in this country and to do it in an effective, efficient and professional manner."

CATSA has worked closely with airport authorities, travel agents and other stakeholders to make the traveling public more aware of the importance of air security. The Authority believes its public awareness efforts are getting results.

"By being better prepared and more informed about what they may and may not pack in their carry-on baggage, passengers are helping to enhance air security and reduce delays at pre-board screening checkpoints," Mr. Duchesneau adds. "This makes for a more efficient screening process and a more pleasant travelling experience."

CATSA encourages passengers to visit its website at www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca where they will find useful information about pre-board screening procedures as well as tips for packing carry-on and checked baggage.

A Crown corporation based in the National Capital Region, CATSA reports to Parliament through the Minister of Transport and is responsible for delivering consistent, effective and highly professional service to ensure the security and safety of air transport in Canada. CATSA is committed to ensuring the integrity of the security system through continuous improvement of its procedures, screening equipment and training program.

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For more information, please contact:
Jacqueline Bannister (613) 998-4527