Zurich Airport AG provides first CT scanners
Starting tomorrow, Wednesday, Zurich Airport will be testing CT technology for use at passenger security checkpoints. Two security control lines at Zurich Airport have been equipped with the new technology for this purpose. The CT scanners increase convenience for passengers: electronic devices and liquids can remain in one’s hand baggage for screening.
Flughafen Zürich AG is equipping two of the 26 passenger security screening lines in the security control building with computer tomography scanners for test purposes. The intention is to to test various configurations and components of the new devices over several months and optimize the layout of the new security screening lines. The new lines consist of a CT scanner for checking hand baggage and a security scanner for checking passengers. In the longer term, the plan is to equip all security check lines at Zurich Airport with the new technology. Passengers who pass the security check at the new devices will not have to remove their electronic devices and liquids from their luggage. This is made possible by CT technology, which produces a three-dimensional image of the baggage contents and thus simplifies the detection of dangerous goods. The two test lines operate concurrently to the conventional security lines. Passengers cannot choose which security check line they are assigned to. The liquid rules with a maximum container size of 100 milliliters and a total of one liter will remain in place until further notice.
Increased convenience for employees as well
As CT scanners eliminate the need to unpack electronic devices and liquids at security checkpoints, passengers can enjoy greater convenience. It also offers advantages for employees at security checkpoints: CT technology enables what is known as "remote screening". This means that security staff no longer have to check the images of the baggage contents directly next to the devices but can work from a separate room. This enables focused work in a quiet environment.
New technology only shows pictograms
In addition to the CT scanners, new security scanners for people are also being tested during the test phase. However, they are not replacing the conventional metal detectors in the test phase but are intended for supplementary checks. In such cases, passengers step shoulder lenght into the security scanner for a short time. This then shows the security staff the potential source of danger on the body using a digital and standardized pictogram. This means that the devices do not transmit any individual body or personality characteristics.
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(Source: Zurich Airport Ltd)