Smiths Detection, a global leader in providing government regulated systems to detect CBRNE threats will provide its latest advanced security solutions at two of Europe’s key aviation hubs; the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in Southern France and Heathrow Airport.
With an objective to support the enhancement of the airport infrastructure, Smiths Detection will provide Heathrow Airport with 17 HI-SCAN 10080 XCT scanners, a revolutionary X-ray inspection system for hold baggage inspection. This high-speed system comes equipped with high-resolution 3D computed tomography to inspect oversized baggage before loading into the aircraft hold. The HI-SCAN 10080 XCT’s comes with a belt speed of 0.5 metres per second, enabling up to 1800 bags per hour to be screened. The new Hold Baggage Screening equipment enables Heathrow to become the first UK airport to commit to meeting the new European regulation.
Due to completion in Q3 of 2015, Blagnac Airport in southern France will install Chechpoint.Evo, a newly launched innovative software solution that greatly enhances the inspection and integration capacities of security checkpoints. Blagnac will be the first French airport to install the system, developed by Smiths Detection in partnership with Optosecurity of Canada. Deployment is due for completion by July 2015 at the international airport which handled around 8 million passengers last year.
Chechpoint.Evo connects individual sensors to a fully networked checkpoint system to provide real-time data collection, distribution and management that improves both the inspection process and operational efficiency.
Richard Ingram, President of Smiths Detection said: “HI-SCAN 10080 XCT is an ideal, cost- effective way to enhance security for all hold baggage, and we are pleased to collaborate with one of the world’s major aviation hubs to provide these cutting edge baggage inspection solutions. The systems are now operating successfully across airports in South America, and continental Europe. Smiths Detection already provides all of Heathrow’s terminals with X-ray screening and Trace detection systems for hand luggage, and this latest award solidifies our close partnership.”
HI-SCAN 10080 XCT has been evaluated by the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) in accordance with Standard 3 and is certified by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), fulfilling current regulatory requirements for the security inspection of checked-in baggage. The new Hold Baggage Screening equipment enables Heathrow to be the first UK airport to commit to meeting the new European regulation.
Kevin Riordan, Capability Manager of Smiths Detection, said: “Checkpoint.Evo will significantly improve Toulouse-Blagnac Airport’s operational efficiency and checkpoint effectiveness, enhancing the overall passenger experience as a result. We look forward to working closely with them to ensure the operational benefits of this new integrated system are maximised.”
Checkpoint.Evo’s centralised remote screening helps speed up inspection of hand luggage, as image evaluation and alarm resolution can be centrally monitored away from the noise and distractions of the checkpoint. The advanced recheck functions of Checkpoint.Evo electronically mark suspicious areas in bags, to enable a more focused search for illegal items by on-the-spot operators, resulting in faster throughput and reduced queuing times. It’s data management capabilities offer real-time and historical data for analysis and reporting, allowing airport operators to share information and monitor the entire screening operation via remote portable devices, such as tablet PCs.
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