Another travel association body has condemned the US government’s plans to shift biometric screening obligations onto the airlines.

Te Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) has officially stated its opinion and placed itself firmly on the side of IATA in opposition of the new proposal.

Currently, US immigration officials take fingerprints and a photo of non-US citizens as they enter and exit the country, but new moves could see exit procedures placed on airlines.

It is estimated that the new Exit Program will cost between USD300 million to USD4 billion to implement.

“The wide disparity in the cost factors clearly indicates there is a lot of slack in this proposal,” said Richard Crum, ACTE President. “Furthermore, it is clearly evident that the all cost are expected to be picked by the carriers, and ultimately the travelling public.”

This “unrealistic” financial burden should not be shouldered by the airlines or the consumer, states ATEC.

“It is unreasonable to expect the airlines to shoulder this financial burden, especially at a time when they are facing staggering fuel increases, maintenance costs, and other rising expenses,” he says.

“It is equally unreasonable to drop a $300 million travel cost increase in the form of security surcharges or additional ticket taxes onto business travellers.”

While ATEC adds that it is not opposed to biometric scanning procedures, it claims that the task should be considered one of national security, and as such handled by immigration officials.