Heathrow Airport is investing in new security equipment – with the introduction of CT security scanners at its terminals.
Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye (right); Aviation Minister Baroness Vere (Centre) on the launch of the CT Scanning upgrade program – Image, Heathrow Airport
The airport is investing over £50 million in computed tomography (CT) security equipment throughout the airport over the next few years at the security checkpoints in the terminal.
The upshot of this to the passenger will be simple: you will be able to leave your laptops, tablets and liquids in your bag, and not remove them like you have to at the moment.
Yes. You will finally be able to put leave everything in your bag. No more need for liquids in a bag when leaving Heathrow.
Heathrow Airport has been working with the Department for Transport to trial the technology since 2017 and is the first UK airport to do so
It will take time for the new equipment to roll out, with the programme running across all terminals. It’s anticipated the kit will be installed by 2022.
According to the airport
The new CT technology is the latest generation of security equipment, providing even better images of cabin baggage more quickly. The move to install this equipment airport-wide will make the screening process even more robust, helping the airport’s teams to provide a more efficient and seamless search experience. Once the rollout is complete, it will have the potential to transform the journey through the airport.
Heathrow is the first UK airport to trial the technology and is working with the Department for Transport to help other airports up and down the country as they look to begin trials of their own in the coming months.
In Quotes
Heathrow Chief Operations Officer, Chris Garton, said:
“Heathrow has a proud history of investing in making every journey better and that’s why we’re delighted to be rolling out our new CT equipment. This cutting-edge kit will not only keep the airport safe with the latest technology but will mean that our future passengers can keep their focus on getting on with their journeys and less time preparing for security screening.”
Aviation Minister, Baroness Vere added:
“Passenger safety remains our top priority and this programme clearly shows the huge importance we place on security.
“This innovative new equipment will ensure Heathrow continues to provide a safe and smooth travel experience for passengers, as we look to roll out this new screening technology at airports across the country.”
Liquid bags and Laptops out… for now.
With a three year rollout, you’re still going to have to take your laptops and tablets out as well as your liquids bag for a long while to come.
But hopefully, technology like this can help ease the security experience, and thus improve the passenger journey through the airport.
The downside of this, of course, will be passengers could end up quite confused what do at security check-points – some will be expecting to pull everything out, whilst others will blindly put their bag of items in a tray, only for it to be stripped down because they needed their liquids and laptops separate.
It’s going to be an interesting challenge – but hopefully, more airport can adopt this or similar technologies to make travel a little easier and safer.
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