Southampton Airport on the south coast of England has began installing a new state-of-the-art, non-invasive body scanner in response to regulations set out by the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT).
The body scanner can detect a wide range of security threats in a matter of seconds and will be used alongside Southampton Airport’s existing security screening systems. Supplied by electronics group Rohde and Schwarz, the scanner uses millimeter wave technology at a lower power output than portable personal devices such as a mobile phone. Southampton Airport will be the fourth airport in the UK to introduce this particular security scanner.
Passengers passing through the scanner are represented on-screen as a mannequin-style image, which highlights any areas that require further investigation. The scanner cannot store, print, transmit or save the image, which is automatically deleted after it is cleared by a security officer.
Simon Young, security operations manager at Southampton Airport, said, “Security here at Southampton Airport is our absolute number one priority. We are committed to ensuring the safety of the hundreds and thousands of passengers who pass through the airport every year. The introduction of this security scanner is in direct response to rules set out by the DfT in regards to the screening of passengers and it will be fully operational before the end of December.
“The technology employed by the security scanner is designed in such a way that it maintains the privacy of the passenger while also ensuring the safety and security of the airport, something which is paramount to us. If people want more information on the scanner then our website will have a list of all frequently asked questions and we will also be providing passengers with leaflets containing information on the scanner and the reasons behind its introduction.”