Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport – one of the world’s most active air terminals – opened a best-in-class Security Operations Center (SOC) as part of an extensive security modernization project in partnership with Thales, a world leader in airport security. The SOC and its advanced technology will enhance the terminal’s security operations, supporting the growth of Terminal 4 and providing its more than 21 million annual travelers with a safe and secure customer experience.

“We are pleased to partner with Thales to further improve Terminal 4’s security operations,” said Gert-Jan de Graaff, President and CEO of JFKIAT, the company which operates Terminal 4. “This new Security Operations Center will prove to be an integral component in keeping passengers and employees at Terminal 4 safe and secure. The system will grow with the terminal, as it was designed to allow for expansion both inside Terminal 4 and strategically connect stakeholders outside the terminal facility.”

Complete with an Airport Operation Control Center (AOCC) platform and Physical Security Information Management software, the SOC promotes efficiency, effectiveness and situational awareness for T4’s security department while significantly improving outcomes through real-time management capabilities. The integrated security control center consolidates all security management and operational tools, providing those operating the system with complete control of subsystems and enabling a more timely and accurate response by Terminal 4’s security personnel and law enforcement. Processes are pre-programmed, for consistent responses allowing operators to focus on alternate security items.

“Providing a secure and hassle-free airport experience is no small feat in a world that is increasingly fast moving and unpredictable,” said Alan Pellegrini, CEO of Thales USA. “Airport security is an important issue and with the capabilities of this new SOC, Terminal 4 can rely on Thales to help provide first class security operations.”
Terminal 4 is the first U.S. air terminal to implement Thales’ proven security solution, joining several other global airports – including Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Durban, Lyon, Madrid, Muscat, Pisa, Salalah, and Singapore. The SOC will improve current operations and passenger experiences, while empowering a more proactive security culture for years to come. Thales will provide T4 with ongoing airport security engineering support for the next three years.

In 2017, Terminal 4 launched 14 automated security screening lanes in coordination with the Transportation Security Administration and Delta Air Lines. The state-of-the-art checkpoint technology enhances security effectiveness while decreasing the time travelers spend in security screening. The automated screening lanes offer several features designed to improve the screening of travelers by automating many of the functions previously conducted manually, which allows travelers to move more swiftly and efficiently through the checkpoint.