Making Digital Airport Solutions the Norm for Travellers
By Nicolas PHAN, Market Manager for Border Control & Passenger Facilitation, IDEMIA Travellers are back but airports face significant post-pandemic...
Airport security screenings have long been a major source of frustration for travelers around the world. Lengthy queues, intrusive bag checks, and strict regulations have made the process a necessary but unpleasant part of air travel. However, with the implementation of computed tomography (CT), screening is changing. This new technology has the potential to revolutionize airport security and create a seamless airport experience for passengers.
CT screening technology has already attracted much attention in the news for its potential to eliminate the long-standing rules that require passengers to remove electronics and liquids from their bags. Teesside International Airport in the UK has already lifted these rules, and received positive feedback from passengers for the much faster security process.
Unlike traditional X-ray technology, CT scanners can produce highly detailed 3D images of the contents of carry-on bags. This means screeners can differentiate between safe and prohibited items more easily and reduce the number of false alarms raised. As a result, security personnel equipped with CT scanners will require fewer intrusive bag searches, leading to faster queue times. Shannon Airport in Ireland has already reported that the introduction of CT scanners has halved the time passengers spend going through security.
The transition to this new scanning technology is underway as airports have been given a deadline of June 2024 by the UK government. This means airports have just under a year to install and train their staff on the much more advanced equipment.
The CT machines will certainly help screeners to quickly identify prohibited items. However, using this technology effectively requires screeners to be trained as it differs significantly from the conventional 2D X-ray equipment. Unlike the X-ray machines, which require screeners to recognize prohibited items from static 2D images, CT scanners allow screeners to manipulate, rotate, slice, enhance and examine every detail of the item in 3D.
Redline offers Threat Image Recognition Training (TIRT) to security screeners at major airports including Teesside International Airport and Manchester Airport Group. We provide training on both 2D and 3D machines, facilitating a smooth transition in a monitored environment. Our training follows the 6 × 6 model, meaning that each screener receives a minimum of 6 hours of threat image recognition training every six months. This approach ensures screeners maintain a high level of detection proficiency and remain up to date on emerging threats. Training screeners in this manner allows airports to thoroughly train and test a larger number of personnel, ensuring they can effectively identify and intercept threats during the security screening process. This provides airports with a higher level of quality assurance.
The implementation of CT screening provides UK airports with several benefits and opportunities. It allows them to create a seamless and more efficient airport experience for passengers, while also improving overall security measures. To ensure minimal disruption and a smooth transition from one equipment to another, it is worth investing in the CT technology training for screeners prior to the implementation of the CT screening. It also helps the airport to maintain the high levels of staff proficiency.
The UK serves as a major long-haul flight hub connecting Europe, North America, and Africa. This change in UK policy can significantly boost international travel. By combining this new CT screening technology with the high-quality staff training, airport security can become more effective and less intrusive for passengers, while passengers can enjoy a safe and seamless air journey.
Redline Assured Security is the ACI World World Business Partner.
Redline Assured Security offers a range of industry-leading government standard security solutions, spanning all aspects of safety and security, training, consultancy, quality assurance and innovative software products.
With over 15 years’ experience, the organization is trusted across the globe to provide safety solutions for security critical industries, including aviation, rail, and Critical National Infrastructure. Redline Assured Security is endorsed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for over 10 years as the UK’s ICAO Aviation Security Training Centre (ASTC).
