Hamad International Airport (HIA) is the first airport in the region to obtain Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX, which offers advanced screening of carry-on baggage at security checkpoints using Computed Tomography (CT) X-ray. 

 

HIA selected this equipment as it enables the airport operators to deliver the highest levels of security internationally and optimises checkpoint performance by expediting the screening processes helping improve the passenger experience.

 

This cabin baggage screening equipment uses a CT gantry that rotates at a constant speed as baggage is carried through on its conveyor belt. Hundreds of images are taken of each bag to create 3D imagery in real-time, allowing for more accurate assessments of the bag’s contents. 

This investment in advanced screening technology allows passengers to keep electronic devices and liquids in their hand baggage removing some of the stress for our passengers whilst significantly increasing checkpoint throughput and further reducing wait times to new internationally recognised  standards.

 

Saeed Yousef Al-Sulaiti, Vice President - Security at Hamad International Airport said: “At HIA, we are always championing the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to ensure operational excellence and deliver a seamless passenger experience. Smiths Detection has a reputation for providing market leading solutions with world-renowned standards for quality. We are proud to be the first airport in the region to introduce the latest CT screening technology available in the industry. HIA is committed to remaining at the forefront of technological advancements to continuously enhance the passenger experience while improving operational efficiency.”

 

These new generation X-Ray machines will also be partnered with fully automated tray return systems integrated with automated UV-C emitting modules that will automatically disinfect the trays before passengers handle them to further safeguard the health and safety of all HIA passengers.

 

The new screening lanes will allow the parallel preparation of passengers for the screening process and provide convenient space to avoid congestion whilst providing high capacity and a swift screening process.

 

As a result of an extensive evaluation programme, HIA also selected new passenger screening technology to replace the previous generation. A non-invasive, contactless screening method will be provided by the deployment of Rohde & Schwarz Millimeter-wave body scanners and CEIA shoe scanners, reducing the need for pat-down search and shoe removal.

 

HIA, in partnership with Smiths Detection, also intends to remove screening operators from the new lanes to provide more efficient handling of images and to allow the screeners to sit in a more suitable environment to interpret images without the distractions of a busy checkpoint, further enhancing security and safety. Screening operators will be also supported with the newest technological development of AI-based threat object detection software called iCMORE that provides aid by detecting sharp objects or other possibly dangerous items.

 

With passenger-centricity at the heart of its digital transformation, Hamad International Airport has optimised various airport operations with smart solutions to cope with the disruptions caused by Covid-19. Earlier this year, HIA was the first in the region to implement the C2 security screening technology at the transfer security checkpoint, enabling security personnel to detect and handle threats in passenger luggage without cross-contamination.  Safety measures at airport terminals were also elevated with fully autonomous disinfectant robots and advanced thermal screening helmets.

 

HIA’s success in its digital transformation has allowed the airport to consistently set new benchmarks for quality excellence and delivery in the industry. In 2020, HIA was ranked the “Third Best Airport in the World”, among 550 airports worldwide, by the SKYTRAX World Airport Awards 2020, which also classified it as a five-star airport in 2017, making it one among only five other airports in the world and the only one in the Middle East to achieve this prestigious status. -- Tradearabia News Service