URUGUAY IMPLEMENTS TSA SECURITY DIRECTIVES AMIDST OPENING OF

UNCLAS MONTEVIDEO 000004 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE PASS TO TSA - IO/WH FOR M. MOSES AND D. GRACESON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON EAIR PTER PINS UY SUBJECT: URUGUAY IMPLEMENTS TSA SECURITY DIRECTIVES AMIDST OPENING OF NEW TERMINAL ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Post has been in regular contact with Uruguay's National Directorate of Civil Aviation (DINACIA) since December 26 to confirm delivery and implementation of TSA security directives for non-stop flights to the U.S. GOU authorities responded quickly in coordination with American Airlines, the sole carrier with direct flights to the U.S., to implement required screening measures in conjunction with the opening of a new primary terminal at Montevideo's international airport. American Airlines officials reported close coordination and support by DINACIA authorities to meet TSA security requirements. DINACIA will continue 100 per cent passenger screening until January 7, as it works with American Airlines to develop procedures under the January 3 Security Directive extension SD 1544-09-06D. END SUMMARY. , ¶2. (SBU) On December 26, econoff contacted DINACIA's Director of Carrasco International Airport (MVD) Colonel Luis Teyza and relayed (SD) 1544-09-06 and Aviation Emergency Amendment (EA) 1546-09-01. Teyza confirmed his office would coordinate with American Airlines in anticipation of that night's departure for Miami. TSA was able to send subsequent updates and SD extensions directly to the Airport Director, in addition to DINACIA's primary e-mail, ensuring timely delivery. In addition to the challenge of reaching civil aviation authorities during the holiday period, DINACIA was in the throes of adjusting to the opening of its new terminal on December ¶29. The Embassy continued to convey subsequent SDs and supporting information to DINACIA. ¶3. (SBU) American Airlines (AA) Security Coordinator Alicia Fusari confirmed that the airline was in close coordination with DINACIA from day one. AA handled screening of carry on baggage using its local security contractor and airport police (under DINACIA) undertook the physical screening of passengers as required by the SDs. Legally, passenger screening could only be conducted by DINACIA personnel, and Fusari confirmed they were always available when needed and offered excellent cooperation in spite of the activity surrounding the opening of the new terminal. On January 4, Fusari told econoff that DINACIA has decided to continue with 100 per cent passenger screening until January 7 as it worked with AA to revise procedures according to the final revision of SD 1544-09-06. ¶4. (U) American Airlines operates a daily, non-stop flight to Miami -- carrying over 250 passengers per day. SCHANDLBAUER