Guernsey Airport to look at new 3D scanning tech

Over the weekend the Department for Transport announced that all major UK airports must introduce the new 3D cabin baggage screening equipment by December 2022.

Guernsey Airport head of aviation services Ash Nicholas said they had taken note of the announcement and wanted to find out more.

‘We look forward to receiving more detail from the Department for Transport and the UK Civil Aviation Authority to see how Guernsey Airport, alongside others in the British Isles, will be affected,’ he said.

‘Guernsey Airport is embarking on a programme of upgrading our security scanning equipment, including most recently the purchase of a new body scanner. Any new regulations and specifications from the UK Government concerning hand and hold baggage will be taken into account as part of that process and options being reviewed already include scanners with the latest 3D technology.’

Earlier this month, Guernsey Airport said it was spending £1.5m. on more modern screening equipment, following complaints about long delays at security for passengers. Work to change the security area to its current layout was only completed earlier this year.

‘Guernsey Airport, through working together with our security contractor, has seen a general improvement in our current security processing and queue times, with some positive passenger feedback in a busy holiday period this August,’ Mr Nicholas said.

Heathrow Airport is currently trialling the new 3D equipment, which will be gradually rolled out at other UK airports. As well as making travel easier for passengers, the equipment has the potential to decrease the amount of plastic used, with passengers no longer required to put liquids in bags before being screened.