Frost and Sullivan Finds US Airport Perimeter Security Market in Decline

Frost and Sullivan Finds US Airport Perimeter Security Market in Decline

The U.S. airport perimeter security market may have reached its saturation point. Most fence upgrades for perimeter control are small opportunities handled by local vendors. Security enhancements are the driving factor that will continue to open prospects into this niche market, although these are mainly implemented in larger airports.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, U.S. Airport Perimeter Security, finds that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) invested an estimated $58 million in grants toward the market through its Airport Improvement Programs (AIP) in 2012. Future funding toward airport perimeter security, though, is expected to decline through 2017. Additionally, the perimeter control segment, consisting of fences and gates, is at an oversupplied point.

The physical size and location of airports make it difficult to provide adequate and effective security. Companies have failed to succeed in offering airports an effective, reliable, and cost-effective integrated security system that is suitable to airports of all sizes. Most tailored security systems designed for large airports still experience vulnerability gaps due to factors caused by human error.

“Some airports, such as John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York, are on a waterfront and easy to approach with a small boat,” said Frost & Sullivan Aerospace & Defense Senior Industry Analyst, John Hernandez. “Post 9/11, new security measures were put into effect to protect these airports. Despite these measures, in August 2012, a man whose Jet Ski stopped working decided to swim ashore to JFK Airport, climbed an eight-foot barbed-wire perimeter fence and walked through the airport's $100 million perimeter intrusion detection system and across two runways undetected until he reached an airline terminal.”

Airport perimeter security technologies are only as good as the people who manage and operate them. Continued mishaps may prompt the advent of automated, unmanned systems as a solution to eliminate human error.

“Terrorism and unlawful intrusion are the primary causes driving the demand for effective perimeter security equipment,” said Hernandez. “According to reports from the government, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) had not conducted vulnerability assessments for 87 percent of the close to 450 U.S. airports regulated by TSA for security in 2009. The lack of these assessments creates uncertainty around the physical security effectiveness of those airports."

To view the video on Frost & Sullivan’s U.S. Airport Perimeter Security analysis, click here.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.