Meet Abbey, Belle, Dash, Donovan and Pico: MIA’s five new Miami Hound Machine volunteers.
TSA officials will send a survey team visit to MIA by mid-November to assess the potential scope and direction of the project, and will work alongside the airport for the procurement and installation of the technology, selected jointly by the TSA and the airport.
Miami International Airport (MIA) has been selected by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as one of only two test sites for emerging perimeter intrusion detection and deterrence technologies that have been developed and tested in other high-risk transportation and public area venues. The lessons gained from the pilot program in the airport environment could be replicated by TSA nationwide.
"Having MIA tapped to play a key role in evaluating cutting-edge security technologies for airports across the United States is an absolute honor for our County," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “We appreciate our federal partners at the TSA for their collaboration and funding in this endeavor.”
The new perimeter intrusion detection and deterrence technologies at MIA are estimated to cost approximately $5 million. Full funding was made possible through Congress’ passage of the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, which allocated TSA the funding necessary to develop a multi-year plan to analyze and test perimeter intrusion detection and deterrence technologies at airports.
TSA officials will send a survey team visit to MIA by mid-November to assess the potential scope and direction of the project, and will work alongside the airport for the procurement and installation of the technology, selected jointly by the TSA and the airport. Advanced technology solutions will be implemented in key areas of airport perimeters, and the agency will collaborate with airport authorities regarding locations and technologies to be installed.
San Jose International Airport (SJC) is the only other airport in the program. Once the installation phase is completed at both sites, TSA will continue assessments, testing, data collection and operational refinements through August 2019. Key findings are expected in September of next year.
“We look forward to being on the frontline of this cutting-edge security technology,” said Miami-Dade Aviation Director Lester Sola. “Opportunities like this, which assist us in providing a safer and more efficient airport for passengers and business partners alike, will always be welcomed with open arms.”
MIA’s new therapy dogs get travelers in the rhythm to fly
Miami International Airport’s new therapy dog program, the Miami Hound Machine, made its debut on September 24 when the airport’s five new MIA volunteer K-9 ambassadors – Abbey, Belle, Dash, Donovan and Pico – and their owners “hit the stage” inside Concourse D to begin spreading love and warmth to travelers.
The Miami Hound Machine, all certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs with at least six months of experience, will volunteer their time at MIA to de-stress and comfort passengers during peak travel times from Thursday to Monday in the busiest areas of the airport. Miami Hound Machine appearance times and locations will be shared via MIA’s social media accounts with the hashtag #MIAmiHoundMachine.
"I commend the leadership team at MIA for once again improving the travel experience for our passengers,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez “The Miami Hound Machine team is already adding to the positive first impression we want all our passengers to have of Miami-Dade County.”
The Miami Hound Machine joins other recent customer service enhancements at MIA, including a pre-security yoga room, indoor pet relief areas, and the MIAmamas nursing suites, with the goal to make travel easier for passengers.
“We’re extremely grateful to the Miami Hound Machine volunteers for their commitment to lending a hand, and a paw, to assist our travelers,” said Miami-Dade Aviation Director Lester Sola. “We know that traveling can sometimes be stressful, so this new program will certainly make a difference in keeping passengers at ease while they are with us.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
