Oakland International Airport in California has been selected as an official Innovation Task Force Site by the US Transportation Security Administration. The distinction will enable the airport to try out new technologies to benefit its growing passenger base.
The trial program will begin in Terminal 2 (T2) in partnership with Southwest Airlines, with roll-out expected within the next six months.
Bryant L Francis, director of aviation for Port of Oakland, the airport operator, said, “Oakland Airport has great working relationships with our partners at TSA, both locally and in Washington DC. Historically, selected Innovation Site airports have included the top 20 largest airports plus Chicago Midway, therefore, we see this as a welcome opportunity for Oakland to deepen our collaboration with our partners at TSA and Southwest to further improve the travel experience for all of our customers. We believe that the benefits of this collaboration will make our airport safer and more efficient as well.”
Oakland’s participation as an Innovation Task Force Site will promote improved efficiency for passengers at the security checkpoint and will enable the airport to try technologies such as automated bin return, remote monitoring, and computerized topography (CT) technology for identifying explosives in carry-on luggage.