In a UK first, Heathrow Airport is investing £50m (US$62m) in cutting-edge CT security equipment, to be rolled out over the next three years.
Heathrow has been working with the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) since 2017 to trial the technology, and announced on June 6 that it expects to have the new equipment in place, airport-wide, by 2022.
When fully deployed, the 3D equipment could end the need for passengers to remove their liquids and laptops from cabin baggage when passing through security. Once fully operational, the technology is expected to significantly reduce the amount of single-use plastics at Heathrow, passengers no longer being required to put liquids in plastic bags.
The new CT technology is the latest generation of security equipment, providing even better images of cabin baggage more quickly. According to Heathrow, the move to install this equipment airport-wide will make the screening process even more robust.
Heathrow is working with the Department for Transport to help other UK airports as they look to begin trials of their own in the coming months.
Chief operations officer Chris Garton said, “Heathrow has a proud history of investing in making every journey better and that’s why we’re delighted to be rolling out our new CT equipment.
“This cutting-edge kit will not only keep the airport safe with the latest technology, but will mean that our future passengers can keep their focus on getting on with their journeys and less time preparing for security screening.”
