Changi Airport Group conducting new security screening technology trials

Singapore

CHANGI Airport Group (CAG) is conducting two-month trials on new security screening technologies which include an enhanced body-scanning machine that uses millimetre wave technology to detect both metallic and non-metallic items. This is an improvement over the walk-through metal detectors currently used for departing passengers.

After removing items in their pockets, passengers simply need to walk into the body scanner and be scanned - a process that takes a few seconds. The data is analysed by a computer algorithm. If a concealed item is detected, a non-invasive outline image indicating the item's location will be generated automatically, allowing security officers to zoom in on the identified area to check the item. If nothing is detected, a green screen with an "OK" appears and the passenger clears quickly.

CAG said the new system would improve efficiency.

Millimetre wave technology has been certified safe and poses no known health and safety risks. The scanner complies with the standards set by the US Food & Drug Administration, American National Standards Institute, and United Kingdom Health Protection Agency.

"At Changi Airport, we take safety and security seriously, and are committed to maintaining the highest standards," said Alan Tan, CAG's vice-president of aviation security. "We work very closely with the authorities to review and adopt new advanced technologies and process innovation to improve security screening and enhance the passenger experience at Changi."

Besides the new body scanners, new computed tomography (CT) security screening equipment and a new automated tray return system are also being tested.

The CT security screening equipment is meant to screen hand-carry luggage at the boarding gates before passengers board their flights. With advanced 3D screening technology, this new equipment allows passengers to keep their electronic devices such as laptops and tablets inside their hand-carry luggage instead of having to take them out for a separate screening, thereby saving them time.

With the new automated tray return system, trays can be presented to two passengers simultaneously at the start of the screening belt, enabling both to deposit their bags at the same time. The trays are automatically returned to the line after each screening cycle is completed, removing the need for security screening officers to manually bring the trays back to the start of the screening belt. Bags that require further checks will be automatically routed to a separate channel for follow-up by security officers, thus improving screening efficiency and reducing waiting times for passengers. Passengers will find it more expedient to pick up hand-carry luggage which has cleared screening.

The enhanced body-scanning system is an ongoing trial on departing passengers at Changi Airport Terminal 3. Trials for the CT security screening equipment and automated tray return system will commence in May at the T3 departure hall.

"The data and passenger feedback we collect from the trials will help us assess the effectiveness and operational efficiencies of these new systems, before we ascertain their suitability for implementation at the airport," said Mr Tan.