Airport passenger security is undergoing a major transformation as security and government authorities began implementation of advanced technologies and upgrading the entire infrastructure. With an aim to develop secure, streamlined, hassle-free, and automated screening processes at airports, necessary steps have been taken at major airports worldwide. From the deployment of 3D scanners to testing the self-screening equipment, different initiatives have been taken place to save time for authorities and passengers. China’s civil aviation authorities implemented “easy security check” services across major airports in the country. These services include simplified flows, rapid and precise checks, and enhanced experience at airports for passengers at the busiest airports in the country.
Government authorities of Australia, the U.S., India, and others undertook different initiatives to upgrade the infrastructure. The major aim is to consolidate and speed up the security screening processes through the implementation of advanced and innovative technologies and equipment. The pace of security infrastructure upgrades at airports will rise in the coming years. According to the report published by Allied Market Research, the global airport passenger security market is expected to grow considerably by 2030. Following are some of the trends and activities taking place across the world.
The trend of upgrading the airport security infrastructure has arrived and major airports across the world have been riding on the trend. They have been taking various necessary measures and utilizing technological advancements to strengthen security. The Perth Airport in Australia began the journey of its upgrade with improved screening infrastructure across all terminals. It deployed new screening equipment. This deployment is a part of the major initiative taken by the Australian Government to enhance security measures. The new equipment is expected to enhance the efficiency of screening processes and levels of detection.
Kevin Brown, the Chief Executive Officer at Perth Airport, outlined that the new equipment includes walk-through metal-detectors, body scanners, X-ray machines, and explosive trace detection (ETD) systems. Updated technology has been loaded in body scanners. Passengers will walk between two walls, stand up for a second in a relaxed pose, the body scanner will take less than a second to scan the entire body and detect metals and non-metal foreign matters. In addition, the introduction of CT scanners for checking carry-on luggage bags will eliminate the need of removing laptops, tablets, and other electronic gadgets during the screening. This scanner will utilize 3D technology for scanning and detecting suspicious matter. The airport authority highlighted that the process of screening will be more streamlined, hassle-free, and efficient than before with the introduction of new equipment.
The trend of upgrades continues with the deployment of technologically advanced equipment. The Evansville Regional Airport in the U.S. installed new 3D scanners to help the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents in gaining a better view at baggage items during the screening process. This equipment will help them in consolidating security and avoiding security threats. Moreover, passengers need to go through lesser security checks than before. The new scanner is able to determine security threats on-screen by manipulating, stretching, and pivoting the images of items carried in a bag. This will also eliminate the need to separately check the baggage. This improves the efficiency of the screening process at the airport.
Along with the deployment of advanced 3D scanners to improve the efficiency of screening, the testing for self-screening equipment is ongoing. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) selected Vanderlande for the implementation of the self-screening passenger security checkpoint solution. Under the agreement, Vanderlande will design and develop a self-screening checkpoint concept and operational prototype. This will be assessed by the DHS before the implementation.
Vanderlande collaborated with aviation security technology and process companies such as Rohde & Schwarz and the Dormakaba Group. Rohde & Schwarz will offer enhanced advanced imaging technology (eAIT) and a quick personal security scanner. Moreover, Dormakaba Group will offer a secure access system. Vanderlande will carry out the integration of the screening lanes and provide its virtual assistant solution. As the trend of passenger self-service solutions is taking place across the world, Vanderlande aims to develop solutions that would offer independence and efficiency to passengers. The company will develop and implement self-service security checkpoint solutions in collaboration with its partners and the U.S. DHS. All the solutions will be developed with an aim of improving efficiency and security at airports.
Pratik Kirve is a writer, blogger, and sports enthusiast. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering and is currently working as a Team Lead – Content Writing at Allied Market Research. He has an avid interest in writing news articles across different verticals. When he is not following updates and trends, he spends his time reading, writing poetry, and playing football. He can be reached at pratik.kirve@alliedmarketresearch.net
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