September-October 2022 - 20

COVER STORY
AUTHOR Matt Regan
The Shifting
Security Landscape
Digital technologies are changing
the face of airport checkpoints for the better.
AIRPORT SECURITY threats are highly complex and
ever changing. Navigating these threats is increasingly
challenging when seeking to deliver enhanced passenger
experience. In the U.S., as with Europe, there has
been a rapid rebound in travel demand as lockdowns lift
and restrictions ease. This spike in passenger numbers,
combined with capacity constraints, staff shortages
and the evolving nature of security threats, mean that
U.S. airports, alongside many around the world, face
increasing amounts of pressure.
Security of course can never be
compromised, and controls must
remain in place. However, as with
every industry, digital transformation
has an essential role to play in ensuring
effective operations as well as future
proofing for emerging threats and
evolving regulation. Digital technologies
for aviation security are now proThe
TSA rapidly has already installed more
than 300 Smiths Detection HI-SCAN 6040
CTiX scanners.
PHOTOS BY SMITHS DETECTION
gressing at pace and there are readily
available solutions - with many on
the horizon - that harness data, automation
and connectivity to drive
efficiencies whilst delivering a great
passenger experience. Responsible
approaches and industry standards
must be adhered to, and in some cases
agreed upon, for new digital technologies
to ensure the maximum safety
of aviation security networks and the
opportunities presented by these technologies
can be seized.
Cutting Queues
with CT
Computed tomography
(CT) technology is an
immediately available
solution that delivers
a multitude of benefits
to the airport
screening
proces s.
Originally developed
for the medical sector,
CT-based scanning produces
high definition,
3D rotatable imagery,
which reduces overall
20 \ AIRPORT BUSINESS / SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022
screening time and allows operators
to make more accurate assessments,
minimizing false alarm rates, touch
points and unnecessary interaction
between passengers and screeners.
When deployed at the checkpoint,
operators can inspect baggage in detail,
from every angle. This removes the
need for passengers to take out electronics
and liquids from their bags,
which significantly reduces the burden
of the screening process on both operators
and passengers, whilst speeding
it up and cutting queue times. With
the reduced need for operator involvement,
CT scanning enables checkpoint
operations to work more seamlessly
with fewer analysts - which is a crucial
benefit for airports, especially those
facing recruitment challenges.
CT scanners are being adopted by
airports around the world and will
eventually become the norm, which is
great news for passengers. Regulators
are encouraging the adoption of CT
enabled X-ray scanners, with some
setting deadlines for its introduction.
In the UK, the latest generation of
EDS CB C3 approved CT scanners
must be installed in all airports by
2024. In the U.S., the Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) has
rapidly rolled out CT technology,
having already installed over 300
Smiths Detection HI-SCAN 6040
CTiX scanners, which were delivered
within one year, during the
pandemic. Airports equipped with
CT scanners are reaping the benefits
- with fewer items needing to be
removed from luggage, and therefore
fewer trays used. Passenger throughput
has been significantly boosted versus
September-October 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September-October 2022
