Heathrow has announced the rollout of new computerized tomography (CT) security equipment throughout its airport over the next few years. When in deployment, the 3D scanner could end passengers having to remove their liquids and laptops from cabin baggage as they pass through security.
As noted in a press release on Heathrow’s website, the program is moving forward through the support of the Department for Transport. The program aims to install the new equipment across its terminals by 2022. Upon completion, the CT technology aims to reduce the amount of time required for security screening.
In addition to faster screening, the new scanners will have a positive impact on the environment. The scanners will significantly reduce the amount of plastic used at the airport, since passengers would no longer be required to put their liquids in clear plastic bags before going through the scanner.
In fact, Heathrow is the UK’s first airport to trial the technology, working with the Department for Transport to help other airports to test out the same equipment. This latest implementation is worth £50 million and aims to be just one part of the effort to improve passenger experience, while also preparing the hub airport for the additional capacity that will come as a result of Heathrow’s expansion. Once the largest and busiest airport in the world, London Heathrow has lost its status as the number one airport. It does, however, remain the busiest airport in Europe – serving over 80 million passengers in 2018. Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport was the second busiest, with 72.2 million passengers passing through its doors.
CT scanners that allow faster screening will certainly give Heathrow an edge. It will also provide the ability to handle further expansion and more passengers. This technology is already in use across airports in the United States including New York JFK, Chicago O’Hare, LAX, and Washington-Dulles.
