CT security scanners, mobile apps, new payment platforms, and robotic concierges provide further evidence of the progressive approach to the passenger experience being taken among Europe’s airports. By Marta Dimitrova
Heathrow Airport announces plans to introduce CT security scanners
London Heathrow has announced the rollout of new computed tomography (CT) security equipment throughout the airport over the next few years.
With the support of the UK Department for Transport, Heathrow is beginning a programme to install the new equipment across its terminals by 2022. 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.
London Heathrow has announced the £50 million (€56m) rollout of new computed tomography (CT) security equipment throughout the airport over the next few years. When fully deployed, the 3D equipment could end the need for passengers to remove their liquids and laptops from cabin baggage when passing through security.
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.
“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,” says Chris Garton, Chief Operations Officer, Heathrow Airport. “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.”
eezeetags integrating RFID for higher read-rates and fewer mishandled bags
Borry Vrieling, Founder and Managing Director, eezeetags: “RFID in theory has the capability to create a higher tag read-rate compared to a barcode, due to the advantage of no line of sight needed. Therefore, it should create operational benefits to the industry and bring down the mishandled bag rate.”
eezeetags’ passenger-friendly self-tagging bag-tag is based on a patented unique ‘linerless’ technology, with an adhesive that only sticks to itself. Significantly, the first steps are being made towards integration of RFID into the eezeetags. “RFID in theory has the capability to create a higher tag read-rate compared to a barcode, due to the advantage of no line of sight needed,” explains Borry Vrieling, Founder and Managing Director, eezeetags. “Therefore, it should create operational benefits to the industry and bring down the mishandled bag rate. A worldwide operating RFID reading system is a pre-requisite. eezeetags can already be integrated with RFID. The big change, however, will be driven by the market. At first, the IATA Board needs to accept the suggested RFID recommendation in the upcoming June meeting. Secondly, the market needs to adapt if a positive business case can be made, amongst the several stakeholders.”
Most recently, Berlin’s Tegel and Schönefeld airports implemented eezeetags-capable hardware in combination with self-bag-drop from Collins Aerospace. “We are very proud to serve the two Berlin airports in close cooperation with our partner Collins Aerospace. It is too early to share results, since the installation is not fully up and running, but it will be in the coming weeks,” says Vrieling.
eezeetags are also used with Bagchain gate tagging devices at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, tagging excess overhead bin luggage that needs to go into the hold of the aircraft. It saves staff 2-3 minutes per passenger.
In a further development, the first off-terminal application has gone into operation at Brussels South Charleroi Airport. Meanwhile, off-airport tagging for door-to-door luggage companies like BagPoint is being installed in locations such as hotel lobbies.
source : http://www.airport-business.com/2019/07/innovation-showcase-summer-2019/