London City
Security screening equipment developed by Smiths Detection means liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) of up to 2 litres can now be carried in cabin bags. However, not all airports are equipped with the technology.
Airport trade body ACI Europe has welcome the “long awaited and overdue” decision to increase the restriction on LAGs in hand baggage from 100ml to 2 litres. The lifting of the restriction means airports that have invested in the technology can speed up passenger processing at security check points.
The 100ml restriction was reinstated last year, due to concerns over the performance of this technology. However, with these issues now addressed Smiths Detection’s equipment has now been recertified by the EU. The screening technology, which delivers improved automated detection capabilities, also allows screening staff to focus on more value-adding security tasks.
Why the delayed lifting of restrictions raises serious concerns
While ACI Europe welcomed the decision, it also warned that the delay in approving the next-gen security screening technology raises serious concerns and structural shortcomings in the current EU testing and certification regime.
It said the recertification of the Smiths Detection equipment comes late – mid-way through the busy summer season at European airports.
While the UK recertified the equipment last April, it has taken the European Commission an additional three months to proceed with its recertification. This, the trade body said, points to inefficiencies in the way security equipment testing is coordinated and assessed.
In the meantime, other manufacturers are still waiting for the EU to test and recertify their equipment. Subsequently, airports that have invested and deployed other security equipment models are bound by the 100ml limit in place for the time being.
A certification system that’s “no longer fit for purpose”
Commenting that we now live in a world in which the convergence of geopolitics, cyber and physical security threats is plain to see, Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI Europe, warned: “Our decades-old testing and certification regime for aviation security equipment is no longer fit for purpose. We just can’t keep relying on a system essentially based on a good-will cooperation between EU states, where even aligned testing methodologies are not guaranteed – and validating test results takes forever.”
ACI Europe has, for the last two years, been calling for the development of a fully integrated EU testing and certification system for aviation security equipment – in full cooperation and alignment with the UK and the US.
Jankovec stated: “We need to be able to benefit from innovation in security technologies much faster. Beyond operational efficiencies, this is primarily and crucially about better protecting European citizens.”
To achieve the goal of fully integrated testing and certification systems, the EU must take full ownership and responsibility for overseeing such a reformed process to ensure a unified, transparent approach according to ACI Europe. Without an appropriately funded and integrated testing and certification system at EU level, the EU will be unable to progress its Aviation Security Strategy in an effective and timely manner.
“This is both frustrating and worrying,” said Jankovec. “What we are asking for is nothing else than EU leadership and action on a highly sensitive issue. This should be a clear priority for the European Commission and Member States – to secure our skies and protect our societies.”
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