Passengers at London Heathrow may soon be able to keep their liquids and laptops inside their cabin baggage when passing through security.
The UK’s busiest airport has announced the rollout of new computed tomography (CT) security equipment across its terminals by 2022.
The new CT technology is the latest generation of security equipment, providing better images of cabin baggage more quickly.
When fully deployed, the 3D equipment will have the potential to cut the amount of time required for security screening as it could end the need for passengers to remove their liquids and laptops from cabin baggage when passing through security.
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 search.
Heathrow is spending over £50 million in the next few years to roll the equipment out. It has been working with the Department for Transport to trial the technology since 2017 and is the first UK airport to do so.
Saves plastic
Once fully operational, the enhanced technology is expected to significantly reduce the amount of single-use plastics at Heathrow, with passengers no longer required to put liquids in plastic bags.
Ancillary revenue
It’s not stated by Heathrow but a major benefit of the new technology should be enhanced ancillary revenue for the airport and its shops. If passengers get through security faster and more relaxed then they will have more time to spend and be in a better frame of mind to do so. That £50 million could well be a bargain for the airport.
Heathrow Chief Operations Officer, Chris Garton:
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.
Source: Heathrow
Image credit: Heathrow
