Cameron Mann, Global Market Director, Aviation, Smiths Detection, interviewed by Marta Dimitrova.
Providing a seamless passenger experience is a priority for airports, and implementation of the latest technologies can play an important role in achieving this. With the new Standard 3 deployment agenda for hold baggage screening set by the European Commission, airports must adapt quickly to meet the 2020 deadline.
Cameron Mann, Global Market Director, Aviation, Smiths Detection: “It’s all about proactive communication and responsiveness. We take great pride communicating not only about the positive things we’re doing, but also share the challenges we foresee, and our approach to solving them.”
Smiths Detection’s ECAC Standard 3 EDS hold baggage screening system is designed to meet the industry’s new explosives detection standards. In October, the company was selected to supply the system to Munich Airport to deliver “exceptional levels of security whilst increasing operational efficiency”.
The contract comprises 25 HI-SCAN 10080 XCT advanced scanners, which amalgamate high resolution X-ray technology, computed tomography (CT) and advanced detection algorithms. Extremely sharp, full colour, high resolution images, as well as a low false alarm rate also support the greater levels of efficiency required by the new regulations.
“As to operational efficiency, our systems combine a very fast belt speed with a large rectangular tunnel that can serve a continuous throughput of up to 1,800 bags per hour,” comments Cameron Mann, Global Market Director, Aviation, Smiths Detection. “As security threats continue to evolve, the scanners can also be easily upgraded to meet future requirements.”
To be deployed in both Munich terminals, the first three scanners will be installed and fully operational by the end of this year. The remaining installations will be progressively rolled out between 2018 and 2021.
In order to achieve smooth ongoing service during the upgrade to ECAC Standard 3 at Munich Airport, Smiths Detection relies strongly on communication. “It’s all about proactive communication and responsiveness,” says Mann. “We take great pride communicating not only about the positive things we’re doing, but also share the challenges we foresee, and our approach to solving them.”
Smiths Detection was also recently selected to supply 13 of its eqo people
screening solutions to Tokyo Narita International Airport. More than 20 million visitors entered Japan last year and increased visitor numbers are expected with the country to host the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo in 2020. “Eqo was the natural solution, as it will improve security, productivity and passenger experience,” Mann explains.
This year, Smiths Detection also launched its unique, preventative maintenance solution – CORAL. CORAL leverages the ongoing revolution in advanced, predicative analytics and secure, remote communication connections to recommend maintenance actions. “We are speaking with many of our existing customers who would benefit from this capability to ensure their equipment is available when it is needed most,” says Mann. “We have a number of customers in Asia and the Americas who are benefiting from CORAL today.”
Smiths Detection’s ECAC Standard 3 EDS hold baggage screening system is designed to meet the industry’s new explosives detection standards. In October, the company was selected to supply the system to Munich Airport to deliver “exceptional levels of security whilst increasing operational efficiency”.
Looking ahead, as the deadline for upgrading to ECAC EDS Standard 3 for all European airports is fast approaching, Smiths Detection’s tendering process is well underway and the company estimates that approximately 40% of the projects have already been awarded. Airports in Japan, Morocco and Chile, for example, are keen to benefit from improved operational efficiencies through lower alarm rates compared to Standard 2 equipment. Increasing numbers of airports across Asia and Africa are also implementing ECAC EDS Standard 3. Smiths Detection is growing strongly in the Middle East, already working with Dubai International, Abu Dhabi International, and Hamad International airports. “I think it’s fair to say that our focus is truly global,” Mann concludes.
