Perth Airport has unveiled a significant upgrade to its passenger screening infrastructure. The new advanced security screening equipment is being introduced as part of the federal government mandate to strengthen Australia’s domestic and international aviation security.
Kevin Brown, Perth Airport’s CEO, said: “The new state-of-the-art equipment has been designed to enhance airport security by improving the efficiency of the screening process and detection levels.”
He explained that the upgrades include new body scanners, walk-through metal detectors and X-ray machines, explosive trace detection systems and secondary viewing stations with explosive trace detection (ETD).
“The body scanner has been a part of the international screening requirements for a number of years and will be introduced into domestic travel screening lanes, but with updated technology,” Brown added.
Capable of detecting all foreign matter (metal and non metal), the body scanners can pinpoint any illicit items on an outline of the person’s body illustrated in the form of an avatar or “stickperson”.
Another major improvement is the introduction of CT scanners for all carry-on baggage (domestic and international), eliminating the need to remove computers and aerosols from bags during the screening process. The new CT X-ray machine will also use 3D technology to help detect suspect goods concealed within carry-on bags.
“Most passengers these days have a laptop or tablet device which they must remove from their luggage for screening. Many travellers also carry aerosol cans such as shaving foam which must also be scanned separately,” continued Brown.
“The new system will allow passengers to leave these items in their hand luggage, making for a more streamlined process and less hassle for passengers.”
The airport has been working hard to progress the upgrades so they are ready to go by the end of January, prior to the borders reopening in February.
