Future Aviation Security Solutions (FASS)

The United Kingdom has always been at the forefront of research and development in the field of aviation security. Aviation security is a government priority and it is one with an ever-changing threat landscape.

In response to these threats, the Home Office and Department for Transport (DfT) launched the Future Aviation Security Solutions (FASS) programme in 2016.  The safety and security of the travelling public will always be the government’s top aviation security priority.

The aim of FASS is to deliver a step change in aviation security through innovative science and technology. This will improve the ability to prevent terrorist attacks on aviation by enhancing threat detection and positively impacting on the passenger experience as well as the wider aviation industry.

The FASS programme will invest £25.5m over the next 5 years to promote innovation in science and technology. Working with the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), FASS funds research via themed competitions and the ‘Open Call for Innovation’. To date, the programme has committed more than £7m of funding to 67 research projects across 7 competitions.

Technology is moving at pace and FASS aims to create an environment that can encourage innovation. As technology improves and is implemented, the aviation experience will become quicker, easier and above all safer for air passengers and the travelling public.

To achieve these ambitious objectives, FASS works closely with stakeholders to remove barriers to innovation and create quicker routes to market.  This includes supporting the testing and trialling of aviation security technology at all stages of development.

The main objective for the JSaRC team was to act as an enabler, working with other industry supporters and stakeholders, to deliver innovative solutions.

JSaRC’s role was to run a series of workshops and events, and to organise and conduct research, testing and trials of new solutions, as well as to support the communication and collaboration across the sector.