Smiths wins Edinburgh scanner contract

Smiths Detection has been awarded the contract to provide Edinburgh Airport with eight state-of-the-art passenger check-in baggage scanners.

The scanners, which produce 3D X-ray images, will eliminate the requirement to remove electronic devices, liquids, and gels from hand luggage, and will allow passengers to take up to 2 litres of liquid onto a plane.

Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX is a computed tomography (CT) X-ray scanner which delivers quicker baggage assessment and low false-alarm rates of automatically identified threats. Featuring Smiths Detection’s industry leading digital technology, the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX not only produces the highest quality images and the fastest delivery to operators, it also provides a very detailed analysis of a bag’s content, enabling security operators to easily spot items that shouldn’t be there.

Andy Evripides, head of market at Smiths Detection, said: “We are delighted to be supplying Edinburgh Airport with our leading CT checkpoint X-ray scanner. The system provides higher levels of safety and security, leading to a significantly improved passenger experience by allowing travellers to pass through security with less hassle and without the need to unpack and repack their hand luggage. The system also uses the least energy of its type on the market, helping airports reach their sustainability goals.”

Adam Wilson, chief operating officer at Edinburgh Airport, said: “Providing passengers with a smooth and safe experience through security is incredibly important to us and the implementation of the new Smiths Detection HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX will deliver that as we adopt this new technology. Safety is always paramount and by moving forward with these innovative and next-generation scanners, we will maintain those high security standards while helping passengers move through the airport quicker.”

Major airports have been given a deadline of mid-2024 by the UK government to install CT scanners and Edinburgh Airport will follow a phased implementation of new x-ray technology during 2024, installing the Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX units to maintain high safety standards and improve passenger experience. Passengers should continue to prepare for security as normal – no more than 1 litre worth of liquids and any liquids being carried must be under 100ml, with all liquids fitting into one clear bag. Laptops, tablets and large electricals must also be removed from bags and placed into security trays.

Images: Smiths Detection and Edinburgh Airport