US President Mr George W. Bush today pledged $500 million for modifications to stop terrorists gaining access to aircraft cockpits, in an effort to restore confidence in the aviation industry.
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A pistol wielding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Sky Marshal runs between seats during a simulated hijacking.
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The US president said he also plans to increase the number of air marshals on board flights around the country.
He said the $500 million would be spent on security to ensure safety of cockpits so that pilots always remain in control.
Mr Bush said the Federal government would take charge of passenger bag screening and safety inspections.
He said there will be an investment in new technology including transponders which cannot be switched off. A transponder is the piece of equipment on board an aircraft which communicates with ground staff.
Mr Bush said videos in the cockpit will allow pilots to see any trouble in the cabin and air traffic controllers will be able to take over distressed aircraft and land them by remote control.
State governors would be given funding to call up the National Guard to man inspection stations at airports around the country.
The president was speaking at O'Hare airport in Chicago where he urged Americans to get back on planes and fly.
He told airline staff that $15billion had already been made available in relief and loan guarantees for airlines in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks.
PA